California Ag Network

Tag: The California Dairy Innovation Center

  • Upcoming California Dairy Innovation Short Course Trainings and Conference

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for summer and fall courses as a part of its 2024 training program series for processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants.

    The schedule of courses includes:

    Advanced Cheesemaking, which will take place July 16-17, 2024, in collaboration with Cal Poly, SLO at the Dairy Products Technology Center in San Luis Obispo, Calif. This program will offer comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of milk and the cheesemaking processes, with two days of hands-on experience. This course also will include an enriching blend of theory and practical application, designed to enhance skills and knowledge in the art and science of advanced cheesemaking. Registration and more information is available here.

    2nd Annual Innovation Conference and State of the Industry, which will take place September 12, 2024, in collaboration with the Pacific Coast Coalition at Fresno State University in Fresno, Calif. This conference will include presentations on technical and market information. More information is available here.

    Hispanic & Mediterranean Cheeses, which will take place October 8-9, 2024, in collaboration with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo at the Dairy Products Technology Center. Registration and more information is available here.

    CDIC also shared dates for Q4 and 2025 events, including:

    Tharp and Young on Ice Cream, which will take place December 4-6, 2024, in collaboration with Chapman University at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Registration and more information is available here.

    The Science of RTD Milk and Coffee Beverages, which will take place January 22-23, 2025, in collaboration with Chapman University at the Ranney Processing Lab at Chapman University. Registration and more information is available here.

    The CDIC also released the 2025 dates for the Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference, which will take place February 18-20, 2025, in collaboration with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., USDA, Pacific Coast Coalition, and the California Dairy Research Foundation, at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif. This conference will focus on dairy marketplace innovation, recent enhancements made to dairy processing and packaging and improved marketing. Attendees will hear from today’s leaders and entrepreneurs as they share their insight and experience in today’s dairy industry. Registration and additional information is available here.

    Short Course and conference programs are co-organized with California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions from Dairy Management Inc., the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State) and CMAB. Programs are subject to change. For more info about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contact Veronique Lagrange (vlagrange@cmab.net).

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis. More info at: https://www.cdic.net/.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department   of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com,Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • California Dairy Innovation Center Announces Schedule of Training Opportunities

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) will be hosting Spring and Summer training programs for processors, producers, dairy industry professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and students as well as health professionals. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants.

    The schedule of courses includes:

    Dairy Foods Technology 101 will take place May 30, 2024, in Novato, Calif. This course is a free educational event open to all California dairy processors and end-users, dairy entrepreneurs, producers, faculty and students in food science, agribusiness, and related fields, as well as qualified suppliers to the industry. It is ideal for individuals who are early in their careers in dairy products processing, entrepreneurs, and employees in production, operations, management, sales and marketing, research and development, and quality assurance roles within the industry.

    This course aims to educate attendees on the intricate processes behind dairy products creation, from the fundamentals of milk production to key unit operations for fluid milk, cream, butter, cheese, cultured products and concentrated or dried dairy products, as well as sensory science and food safety. Led by industry experts, participants can expect to learn about the science involved in turning dairy milk into classic as well as innovative dairy products, gain a solid understanding of processes and the importance of these steps to ensure quality and safety. Attendees will have the chance to engage in interactive demonstrations, ask questions, and network with fellow participants who share their passion for dairy.

    No pre-requisites are required. To receive a detailed program, information on area hotels, and to register, send name (or that of any participating employees), title(s), company name, phone number and email(s) to vlagrange@cmab.net or nvanbuskirk@cmab.net by May 25th. Full program details about the workshop can also be found on the CDIC website at cdic.net.

    Yogurts, Fermented Milks and Probiotic Dairy Products, which will take place June 20-21, 2024, at UC Davis is a collaboration between the CDIC, UC Davis, Dairy Council of California, and the California Dairy Research Foundation. During the course, attendees will learn from leading experts who possess extensive experience and expertise in dairy science, nutrition, and food innovation. This course will not only cover the fundamentals of processing but will also highlight the latest nutrition research and product innovations shaping the sector, market trends and opportunities.

    During the course, attendees can expect to delve into such topics as:

    • Latest research on the nutritional benefits of probiotics and fermented milk products.
    • Market trends, types of fermented milks and market opportunities for California processors.
    • Fundamental principles of milk fermentation and yogurt production.
    • Innovations in processing technologies and product development, including lactose-free, clean label and reduced sugar products.

    The course is designed for dairy industry professionals, dietitians and nutritionists, food scientists, researchers, educators, and individuals interested in expanding their understanding of fermented dairy products. With a blend of lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and lab tours on campus, participants will gain practical insights and valuable knowledge that can be applied in both academic and industry settings. The event is modular, and registration covers all three sessions, meals and refreshments, and a networking reception. For more information, please contactvlagrange@cmab.net or nvanbuskirk@cmab.net.

    There are no pre-requisites required. Registration (free for health professionals) and additional information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/short-course-yogurt-fermented-milks-and-probiotic-dairy-products-tickets-867978094847.

    Save the Date:

    Advanced Cheesemaking: July 16-17. This two-day practical, hands-on course will take place at the Dairy Products Technology Center, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

    Registration: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia

    2nd Annual Innovation Workshop & State of the Industry: September 12, at Fresno State.

    Registration: www.cdic.net

    Hispanic, Italian and Mediterranean Cheeses: October 8-9. This practical course will feature international cheese varietals and will take place at the Dairy Products Technology Center, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

    Registration: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia

    Short course and conference programs are co-organized with California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions from Dairy Management Inc., the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State) and CMAB. Programs are subject to change. For more info about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contact vlagrange@cmab.net.

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis. More info at:https://www.cdic.net/

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • Apply Now for $4.1 Million Innovation Grants to California Dairy Producers, Processors

    California producers and processors are invited to apply for funding up to $1 million for innovation initiatives to become more competitive in a second round of dairy business grant awards recently announced by the Pacific Coast Coalition’s Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (PCC-DBII), hosted by California State University Fresno.

    The PCC-DBII will award funding to assist with innovative dairy product development, production, marketing, and distribution. Dr Carmen Licon, Project Director and Assistant Professor in Food Science and Nutrition at Fresno State said grants will range from $50,000 to $1million with the potential for up to 12 projects selected for funding. Application forms and submission details are available at https://www.dairypcc.net/ with a deadline to submit by February 28, 2023.

    “This second set of grants is larger in size and have the potential for major impact on our California dairy business community,” said John Talbot, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board. “The scale of available funding allows larger processors to apply for new-to-market projects, while smaller operations and farmstead producers can still apply for projects that will allow them to add value to their milk by developing new products, testing new processes and evaluating feasibility of packaging innovations.”

    CMAB’s California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC), a major partner in the Coalition, has resources to guide qualified California dairy businesses to take advantage of this opportunity. Information and assistance is available by contacting Veronique Lagrange, Director of the CDIC at vlagrange@cmab.net.

    Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, DBII program funded initiatives focus on product, process and packaging innovation and serve to:

    • Diversify dairy product markets to reduce risk and develop higher value uses for dairy products,
    • Promote business development that diversifies farmer income through processing and marketing innovation, and
    • Encourage the use of regional milk production.

    Grants are available to anyone operating a dairy farm or dairy processing plant in California but focus on product, process, packaging innovation for dairy manufacturing. This includes feasibility studies and workforce training. Proposals can include requests for funding for qualified equipment, feasibility studies, innovation in packaging as well as training of the workforce.  This is a reimbursement program with applicants reimbursed upon presentation of invoices/receipts for approved projects.

    The CDIC’s Steering Committee, which includes representatives of California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis assisted in the thorough review process and recommended funding applications based on objective criteria.

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center
    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis.

    About the Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Initiative (PCC-DBII)

    The PCC-DBII is funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and hosted by California State University, Fresno in collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chapman University, Chico State, Oregon State University, UC Davis, Washington State University, and the California Dairy Innovation Center.  For more information:  https://www.dairypcc.net.

  • California Dairy Innovation Center Offers Opportunities For Cheese Education

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) announced the latest list of short courses which will be offered this year in collaboration with the Pacific Coast Coalition and industry instructors. Dates for an inaugural Dairy Products, Processing, and Packaging Innovation Conference were also announced.

    The Frozen Desserts Innovation short course will be held on June 28th and 29th at the Dairy Innovation Institute, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a focus on capturing consumer trends: sugar-free, lactose-free and high protein. The short course features both lectures, demonstrations and actual ice cream manufacture in the Cal Poly pilot plant and creamery.  In addition, a sales and marketing educational segment will provide practical guidance to entrepreneurs, and established brands alike. Registration is open at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia

    The Advanced Unit Operations short course will take place September 27-29. Designed for those working in dairy plants, this course delivers both theoretical and practical understanding and knowledge of pasteurization, separation, condensation, filtration systems, drying, as well as principles of food safety. Program and registration will open June 1.

    The California Dairy Innovation Center, in collaboration with Cal Poly, The Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, Pacific Coast Alliance, and Fresno State will hold a first ever conference on Dairy Products Processing and Packaging Innovation in Shell Beach, Calif, October 12th-14th. Featuring both national and international speakers, the conference focuses on consumer-driven innovation and the latest technological advances. Program outline and registration is open at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.