These symposium will be held against a backdrop of multiple global crises, ranging from climate change to geopolitical tensions. In this context, the dairy sector, like all food sectors, is facing growing uncertainty and instability, contributing to increased malnutrition and hunger worldwide.
Against this background, the 2026 edition will address all dimensions of dairy development by bringing together scientific experts, international institutions, field practitioners, and policymakers from both the North and South. This diversity of perspectives and experiences constitutes the strength and richness of these meetings.
The objective of the conference is to foster better coordination of actions related to milk and dairy products, with the aim of developing solutions tailored to local challenges, supporting the sustainable development of the dairy sector, and strengthening a responsive and supportive international network. More specifically, these meetings aim to promote the exchange of experiences on the diversity of dairy development models observed worldwide and to share ideas for improved development strategies.
The discussions of the LVD 2026 edition will be structured around four thematic sessions:
- The dairy sector in Senegal and West Africa: comparative perspectives
- The dairy market and the role of livestock farmers: from local to global
- Adapting to climate change: greenhouse gas emissions, water, and the environment
- Milk diversity: processing, nutrition, safety, and human health
Register here https://lait2026.colloque.inrae.fr/ and submit abstracts for oral and/or poster presentation.