World Milk Day, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, is celebrated annually on June 1st. The day was created to recognize the importance of milk as a global food and to celebrate the dairy sector. The event aims to provide an opportunity to focus attention on milk and raise awareness of dairy’s role in healthy diets, responsible food production, and the livelihoods of communities around the world.
In 2024, World Milk Day continues to emphasize themes such as:
- Health and Nutrition: Highlighting the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products, including their rich source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Sustainable Dairy Farming: Promoting practices that contribute to sustainable dairy farming, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring the welfare of dairy animals.
- Economic Importance: Acknowledging the contribution of the dairy industry to the economy, providing livelihoods for millions of farmers and workers globally.
- Innovation and Technology: Showcasing advancements in dairy technology and innovation that improve production efficiency, product quality, and sustainability.
Events and activities for World Milk Day typically include educational campaigns, dairy farm visits, discussions, and social media initiatives to spread the message about the importance of milk and dairy products. Participants often include dairy farmers, health professionals, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders.