The German Dairy Association (Verband der Deutschen Milchwirtschaft, VDM) is, as IDF Germany, in the first place the German National Committee within the International Dairy Federation (IDF), where it represents the interests of the entire dairy sector in agreement with its members and in close cooperation with the Federal Government and the representatives of the Federal States.

Germany has been an active member within the IDF for more than 135 years. This fact alone shows that the representation of interests is absolutely essential for the entire German dairy industry.

As can be read in our statutes, it is our task to “safeguard and further the interests of the dairy industry into every direction”. We have been fulfilling this comprehensive service mandate as a dairy industry association on behalf of our members and sponsors from its beginnings to the present. For this purpose, the German Dairy Association is assisted and supported comprehensively by the Federal States.

Due to its well-balanced and neutral structure, the German Dairy Association primarily acts as a consultant and advisor to the Federal Government and the Federal Ministries. Since its beginnings, the umbrella organization is fulfilling this important central function through the following activities:

• Comprehensive advisory service with regard to all topics relating to the dairy industry on a national as well as an international level
• Representation of interests in the legislative procedure at the ministries, parliamentary bodies, committees and working groups of national and international, technically oriented associations and organizations
• Events addressing current trends and developments.