Executive Summary
CDIC: Industry-led strategies and programs. CDIC collaborates closely with its Steering Committee and various processors to guide strategies and fine tune programs which meet their need for technical know-how, which attract talent to the dairy sector and help up-skill their existing workforce. Yearly meetings of the Steering Committee and on-going consultations with processors, suppliers, academic and check-off partners are scheduled by CDIC throughout the year to optimize strategies and tactical elements in real-time.
Anticipating, and capitalizing on market trends to support industry innovation. CDIC continues to work on proof-of concept, prototype development and technical assistance projects with processors and entrepreneurs. The projects are aligned to grow opportunities identified by CMAB teams, anticipating future trends, and are conducted in collaboration with the Business Development and Processors Relations teams. Innovative product concepts and technical know-how guides are shared during short-courses, conferences and presentations. Furthermore, the projects provide academic partners new expertise, enabling them to support industry more effectively. 2026 Direction: • Intensify efforts to communicate with processors and facilitate adoption. • Collaborate across CMAB to maximize effectiveness. • Continue “incubator” pilot program. Focused research projects with wide industry impact. CDIC targets pre-competitive opportunities that solve industry-wide, and California-specific for process and packaging challenges. Longer-term projects are designed to develop bioplastics from milk protein co-products and isolate high value bioactive components from butter co-products. 2026 Direction: • Complete bioplastics, MFGM projects by end of year. • Seek new external funding to start new non-thermal processing research. Workforce training. CDIC offers a robust line-up of over 10 short courses yearly, as well as one technical and networking conference. Over the years, these programs have reached over 1,000 participants, and close to 100 companies - processors and industry partners. 2026 Direction: • Continue to offer broad variety of training opportunities across California sites, in close collaboration with academic partners and industry suppliers. • Maximize financial self-sufficiency through registration fees and sponsorships
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