The Swiss dairy sector is export-oriented and relies on open trade relations without technical barriers. About every fourth kg of Swiss milk is exported. Stakeholders in the area of milk and dairy products place high demands on Agroscope to achieve research and enforcement goals in a broad area of expertise. An international exchange is important for the full achievement of these goals by Agroscope. Our influence and collaboration in international standard setting through Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO), IDF and ISO are crucial and are required by the dairy industry (Fromarte, Swissmilk SMP, Association of Swiss Dairy Industries VMI) and supported with third-party funds. International networking is important in the areas of food safety for topics such as antimicrobial resistance, pathogen monitoring and diagnostics, new methods, and exportability of raw milk products, in the area of product quality and nutrition for topics such as natural and healthy foods, fermented foods, or optimised protein supply. Innovation and progess in sustainability with its four pillars healthy nutrition, economics, social and environment is an integral part of IDF work.