IDF Column ¦ IDM
Sharing innovations in cheese
science and technology
Author: Sylvie Turgeon, co-chair of the IDF International Cheese Science and
Technology Symposium Organizing Committee, Professor, STELA-INAF,
Université Laval
February 2020 ¦ international-dairy.com · 29
Every four years, international cheese
experts meet to discuss recent scientific
advancement. Sylvie Turgeon
explains why this event is a must-attend
for those involved in the sector.
In 2020 the IDF International Cheese Science
and Technology Symposium will be
held in Quebec, Canada, taking place in
Quebec City at the historical Fairmont
Château Frontenac from 1 – 5 June 2020.
The Canadian dairy industry produces
1050 varieties of cheese, of which 740
come from the province of Quebec. Quebec
has a proud history of dairy production,
processing, research and innovation.
It is the province that produces the highest
volume of milk and counts half of the
dairy farms of Canada. Cheese is produced
in 110 factories of which 53 are artisanal
and farmstead cheese factories. The dairy
sector is supported by scientific research
and expertise, mainly with the STELA Dairy
Research Centre, the most important research
centre in Canada, whose experts
work closely with industry to answer their
needs and to stimulate innovation.
With the aim of delivering the most
recent research, innovation and expertise
in cheese science and technology, the
scientific programme, which includes 36
speakers from 11 different countries, will
focus on six main thematic areas: Microbial
Ecology: Starters, Adjunct and Indigenous
Microbiota (keynote: Dr. Paul Cotter,
Teagasc), Cheese Technology: Process
Efficiency and Innovative Approaches (Dr.
Valérie Gagnaire, STLO, France), Cheese
Structure and Rheology (Dr. John Lucey,
University of Wisconsin, USA), Ripening,
Flavor and Authenticity (Dr. Ylva Ardö,
University of Copenhagen), Functionality,
Nutrition and Health, Innovation and
Consumer-Centric Approach (Dr. Eileen
Gibney, UCD, Ireland). Scientific papers
will be published in the peer-review journal
“Dairy Science and Technology”.
Full registration offers to move freely
between parallel-run symposia. The IDF
Cheese science and technology symposium
kicks off with the Opening Cocktail
on Monday June 1 with the famous
Wine and Cheeses showcasing the
unique Quebec fine cheeses. On Monday
June 1, the Novalait Forum Techno
showcases the research results supported
by the organization owned by Quebec
dairy producers and processors. It is
followed on Tuesday by a workshop on
Milk Microbial Ecosystem proposed to
Artisan Cheesemakers.
Looking ahead to Wednesday and
Thursday, the IDF Canada Dairy Outlook
Conference will feature highly reputed
speakers such as Thomas Mulcair, professor
of Political Science and ex-leader
of the Quebec New Democratic Party
and Andrew Novakovic, from Cornell
University. Throughout the week, poster
sessions offer the opportunity to exchange
with graduate students and research
professionals, our future leaders.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity
to network with some of the leading
names in the dairy processing sector
and to build brand awareness and partnerships
with international delegate
experts. On Friday June 5, technical visits
propose to discover Cheese manufactures
and Research centers (STELA
and the Institute of Nutrition and functional
Foods) in a friendly and relaxed
atmosphere.
Combined to the pleasure of visiting
Quebec City, cradle of French civilization
in North America, proclaimed
UNESCO World Heritage site, this exceptional
gathering of the dairy industry
promises to be an enriching professional
experience.
The Canadian National Committee
of the International Dairy Federation
(IDF) co-organizes the IDF International
Cheese Science and Technology
Symposium with the Dairy
Science and Technology Research
Centre (STELA) of Université Laval.
Participation of the global network
of scientists in academia, business
and government is targeted for a
highly qualified audience. More
than 400 participants from over 20
countries are expected.
Visit the website:
fil-idfcheese2020.com for the complete
programme or to register.