More than 900 delegates from across the world gathered at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin today to attend the International Dairy Federation, World Dairy Summit.
The annual event, which drew attendance from experts in 50 countries to Dublin this year, was opened by President Mary McAleese.
The international conference is hosted by different countries every year and aims to facilitate education on current world market trends via a variety of discussions and lectures and allows representatives of national expert committees to meet and update current industry knowledge.
This afternoon's Dairy Leaders Forum will hear international speakers on issues facing global dairying and food production.
Speakers include Rick Smith of Dairy Farmers of America's Co-operative, Fonterra; New Zealand's, Andrew Ferrier; Irish Dairy Board's CEO Noel Coakley; and Justin Sanders of Dutch cooperative, Campina.
Chairman of the organising committee in Dublin, Dr Noel Cawley said: "The recent pace of change in international dairy markets has surprised many in the industry.
"This summit offers a timely opportunity to hear what's new in the industry, in the markets and in dairy science around the world," he added.