The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA), New Mexico State University, and prominent Indonesian partners — Global Dairy Alami, Cimory, and Ultrajaya — have launched the U.S.-Indonesia Education Project. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance dairy farming practices and support nutrition-focused programs across Indonesia.

The launch event, held on November 21, 2024, at The Westin Jakarta, brought together experts and officials from both nations. Ambassador Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir of the United States delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the program’s alignment with Indonesia’s national development goals.

“This initiative comes at a pivotal moment as Indonesia works to provide milk to children through the Nutritious School Meals Program,” said Ambassador Lakhdhir. “By empowering smallholder farmers to improve milk quality and production, we’re addressing immediate nutritional needs while building a sustainable future for Indonesia’s dairy sector.”

Jonathan Gardner, Senior Vice President of Market Access and Regulatory Affairs at USDEC, highlighted the partnership’s transformative potential. “This collaboration blends decades of U.S. dairy expertise with local innovation. By focusing on sustainability, farmer training, and improved practices, we can drive meaningful change in Indonesia’s dairy production and consumption patterns,” he remarked.

Dustin Cox, Division Director at NMDA, added: “This project represents more than technical training. It’s a deep collaboration between the U.S. and Indonesia, fostering innovation while respecting local traditions and values.”

Advancing Dairy Farming and Nutrition
The U.S.-Indonesia Education Project will provide small- and medium-scale dairy farmers with tools and training to improve milk quality and production. The initiative supports Indonesia’s Nutritious School Meals Program, which promotes milk as a cornerstone of children’s health and development.

Key areas of focus include:

• Farm Management: Enhancing operational efficiency, infrastructure, and knowledge-sharing protocols.
• Dairy Animal Nutrition: Optimizing feeding strategies and addressing dietary challenges.
• Milk Quality and Yields: Adopting modern herd and pasture management techniques.
• Animal Health: Preventing diseases, managing outbreaks, and promoting vaccination programs.

Building a Sustainable Future
The program underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing shared challenges. Robert Hagevoort, Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist at New Mexico State University, noted, “Indonesia’s potential in the dairy sector is immense, and this collaboration creates an opportunity to unlock that potential while addressing critical challenges like animal health and milk quality.”

Shawna Moris, Senior Vice President of Trade and Global Affairs at USDEC, concluded: “Our shared goal is to see these farmers and their families flourish. By building a foundation of education, technology, and innovation, we’re securing a brighter future for the Indonesian dairy industry.”

The U.S.-Indonesia Education Project represents a significant milestone in the partnership between the two nations, fostering innovation, sustainability, and community development in the dairy sector.