A bright future for Society of Dairy Technology

The Society of Dairy Technology has seen a significant surge in interest over the past few months, with membership growing at an unprecedented rate.

As consumer demand for healthy and nutritious dairy products continues to grow, the role of the SDT in advancing dairy science and technology across all areas of the agri-food sector, to the mutual benefit of milk producers, dairy processors, food retailers and consumers, is increasingly valued.

Executive Director, Maurice Walton said "Student membership is the fastest growing category following the successful implementation of the Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology at Reaseheath College, Cheshire.

The society was heavily involved in this initiative, especially on curriculum development, and we helped ensure the program exceeded standards found in similar European colleges through specialist knowledge gained during a two year European project."

As part of its development strategy, the SDT has been working with its publisher, Wiley Blackwell, to create a new website designed to respond to the needs of its diverse membership. In response to the increase in younger members it is now extending its reach into the social media arena.

Recognition of the value of the work being done by the SDT is demonstrated by the success of its conferences over the past 24 months. The next event on the 8th-9th November is already over-subscribed and the SDT is underlining its commitment to the next generation by providing first year students from Reaseheath free coach travel to the event to allow them to attend.

The SDT President, Dr Liz Whitley, Head of Food Processing at Duchy College and a long standing member of the society, said "I am absolutely delighted to be actively involved at this stage of our development and to be holding a successful conference in the South West of England that is over-subscribed, which clearly demonstrates the importance and value of the society."