"Never before have we needed to come together as an industry to solve the environmental challenges we face, and is not up to one organisation to solve this issue," said Cathal McCormack, country manager at Alltech Ireland. "We need to collaborate with the industry by working together with farmers, industry bodies, dairy processors and the government. Action is what will make it happen; we need to make a start."

Global industry experts joined the virtual event to explain how industry stakeholders can lead the way in enhancing both agri-food and national sustainability.

The speakers and discussion topics included:

  - Timothy P. Robinson, senior livestock policy officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization with the United Nations, was the opening plenary session speaker with his presentation, "Raising ambitions on climate action in dairy systems";

  - Dr. Frank Mitloehner, professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis, California, the United States, presented on "Key actions to reduce livestock's contribution to climate change";

  - Emma Swan, InTouch feeding specialist at Alltech Ireland, and Dr. Stephen Ross of Alltech E-CO2 shared their thoughts about "Alltech's Vision for a Sustainable Irish Dairy Industry";

  - Dr. Mark Lyons, president and chief executive officer of Alltech, provided closing remarks to the morning session.

The afternoon session consisted of a panel discussion, "Digging deeper on sustainability: What needs to happen?" with industry experts that included Matthew Smith, vice president of Alltech, and Professor Frank O'Mara, director of research at Teagasc.