DAIRITAL: Innovation and Sustainability for the Traditional Dairy Sector

“Cooperation is in Your Hands”

Our Roadmap: From Analysis to Action – Here is Our Progress

DAIRITAL is structured into three major phases:

2025-2026 | WP1: Research and Strategy

Development of digital tools, characterisation of by-products and socio-economic studies to define a Transnational Strategy.

2027 | WP2: Validation in Real Environments
Pilot trials in farms and dairies to verify the effectiveness of the solutions.
2028 | WP3: Action Plan and Transfer
Consolidation of results and long-term adoption across the entire SUDOE dairy sector.

Progress in 2025: A Year to Lay the Foundations

During this first year, we launched the website and social media channels, organised the online Kick-off meeting and commenced the development of digital tools to assess sheep milk quality and optimise cheesemaking processes. Additionally, we initiated studies on the economic and social impact of these transformations.

Face-to-Face Meeting: Markina-Xemein – First Consortium Gathering

On 11 and 12 December, we held the first in-person meeting of the Monitoring Committee at Leartiker’s facilities. This was far more than a technical review: it was an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among partners and align strategies.
Over two intensive days, we analysed progress in Work Package 1, shared experiences and challenges, and set priorities for 2026. Among these, completing the research phase and moving towards validation in real environments.
The meeting also enabled us to address each country’s expectations, consolidate a shared vision and reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and digitalisation within the traditional dairy sector.

Outlook for 2026: What Lies Ahead

IDELE Leadership: Trials on once-a-day milking and development of MIR models for sheep milk.
INIAV Leadership: Valorisation of wastewater and whey, reuse in hydroponic systems and biofertilisers.
Leartiker Leadership: Development and validation of MIR-based digital tools, software applications to optimise processes and study of foaming properties of milk.

Socio-Economic Impact: Beyond Technology

The socio-economic impact assessment will enable us to quantify the theoretical application of solutions developed in WP1. Through this analysis, we can evaluate how each innovation affects farm profitability, emission reduction and quality of life within the sector.
This quantitative approach will be essential for prioritising the most effective and sustainable solutions, ensuring that those advancing to WP2 validation will have the greatest possible impact. Thus, modernising the sector will not merely be a technological endeavour, but a strategic decision grounded in real data.

Thank you for accompanying us on this journey towards a more innovative, sustainable and competitive dairy sector

Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for 2026!

Find out more on our website
Links: DAIRITAL – Interreg Sudoe | LinkedIn | Instagram

Newsletter: Innovation and Sustainability for the Traditional Dairy Sector