At about this same time, national interest in dairy foods research also was increasing, but without funding resources. CDRF was incorporated in April 1988. With its creation, the CDRF became the first and only regional, industry-operated organization managing dairy foods research investments. Dr. O'Donnell joined CDRF as its first executive director in 1990. The researchers and facilities at UC Davis and Cal Poly-SLO cooperate with CDRF to conduct research designed to provide technology and technical information that can be used to improve the marketability of dairy products.
Research concentrates on product technology development, food safety, and dairy herd health.
California's Commitment to Dairy Research California is unique in the organizational structure of its dairy research investments. Through the CDRF, research investments have grown significantly and the results are more readily available to commercial, educational and marketing sectors.