2017 December Board Book

Supporting the Dairy Industry

Background The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) was created in 1988 as a not-for-profit 501(c3) research management organization to direct and manage scientific research and science-based educational programs for the benefit of the dairy industry and the wider community, and to disseminate the results of such research and educational programs to the dairy industry. Programs are Aligned with the Industry’s Vision CDRF invests dairy checkoff dollars in scientific research and science-based educational programs on behalf of the California dairy producers to address specific regional issues as well as broader national and international issues to achieve the California dairy industry’s vision: A vibrant dairy industry committed to protect and continuously enhance its ability to provide safe, quality and nutritious products from healthy cattle, while preserving natural resources and ensuring decent livelihoods across the industry. The industry’s vision provides the platform for CDRF’s strategic directions: • Nutrition, Health, and Genetics: Protect and enhance future demand for milk and dairy products by showing their unique health benefits. • Environmental Health & Safety, Quality, and Biosecurity: Protect and enhance consumer dairy confidence and trust in California’s milk supply, dairy products, and the industry’s long-term ‘License to Operate.’ • Industry Capability Building: Support the California dairy industry in building a talented and skilled workforce. ‘People in Dairy Capability’ see career options within the dairy industry at all levels: on the farm, in processing, and in academia. CDRF’s programs predominantly benefit the California and U.S. dairy industry, but some will have benefits beyond national borders, as in the case of defending dairy franchises against competing products and/or facilitating the translation of cutting-edge topics in milk science nutrition, human and cattle health, and genetics into usable benefits for the industry. CDRF’s Management programs include Stakeholder Support, Planning, and Evaluation. These programs increase awareness of checkoff-invested programs, their outputs and implications for the industry, and proactively engage stakeholders and partners.

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CDRF 2018 Proposed Budget Request