The VDM is responsible for the overall coordination of all activities regarding the collaboration of the German dairy industry within IDF. It nominates the experts for IDF committees on behalf of the member associations and the Federal Government and comments on international requests for information directed to the German National Committee. In its function as a National Committee, VDM represents the German interests at international events of IDF or at events of other international organizations.

The VDM is actively represented by its experts in all 25 Committees of the International Dairy Federation, which are dedicated to areas ranging from milk production or milk processing up to the marketing of dairy products. This ensures that the German interests are safeguarded.

The VDM takes an active part in shaping national dairy law and the respective regulations in Europe. The Association also sees to it that the EU regulations on Protected Designations of Origin are appropriately applied.