November 20, 2017

Spierings commented that he is pleased to take the role and play a part in maximising the contribution dairy can make to the world.

"More than ever, people are turning to dairy for nutritional security and sustainable food and every day, we see the good that dairy can do," he said. "We also recognise that the world will have more than two billion more mouths to feed by 2050. With food demand expected to increase by at least 50% in 2050, the challenge is how best to apply the goodness of dairy to the places and people that need it the most."

Spierings also highlighted a "real opportunity" for cooperation and to explore "new ways" to make the nutritional benefits of dairy more available, especially for those facing poverty and hunger, or fighting obesity.

"Through the Global Dairy Platform, we will continue to push forward with a global effort to make the goodness of dairy contribute more by providing better nutrition, empowering our communities and promoting sustainable agriculture," he stated.

According to Spierings, GDP has made good progress since its formation 11 years ago. "At the same time, if we are to make a real difference in a world where the pace of change is picking up, we need to be getting better every day and this will take real conviction and belief," he added.
Spierings, who has been a director on the GDP Board since 2012, will succeed Dairy Farmers of America CEO Rick Smith, who has chaired the organisation since 2015.

 

"It has been a great privilege to serve as GDP's chair," said Smith. "Over the last two years, GDP has provided strong leadership and strategic thinking to increase the credibility and visibility of the dairy sector in the international community, particularly within the United Nations. We have built a solid foundation to grow on."

Smith will continue to serve on the board along with Arla Foods CEO Peder Tuborgh and Royal FrieslandCampina CEO Roelof Joosten.