June 1st is internationally recognized as World Milk Day. It was established by FAO in 2001 as a means to celebrate the goodness in milk while also raising awareness on the importance of milk and milk products in our diet and livelihoods. More info here.
In 2016, World Milk Day was celebrated in 40 countries, Nigeria and New Zealand included. Today over 100 countries raise their glasses of milk in honor of World Milk Day.
On this day, dairy companies, manufacturers and distributors alike, organize different activities involving people from all works of life who, in one way or the other, impact the dairy sector. Activities include, but not limited to milk and food donations, contests ranging from photo contest to sports competition; conferences and exhibition, farm visits, or simply sharing information via social media campaigns.
“World Milk Day is an international day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk as a global food “
Wikipedia
The end goal of World Milk Day celebration is to make people aware of the value chain of milk and the important role dairy sectors play in our community, economy and society in general.
The first time I heard of World Milk Day was in May 2011 during my youth service at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. I was part of the Research, Development, and Technology team at the time.
So when June 1 2011 arrived, I joined my colleagues to celebrate milk day by wearing our branded t-shirts and raising my milk glass for photos to create awareness, amongst other things. I don’t think I could find myself in that photo. Anyway, that event added to my interest and liking for the dairy sector as I thought to myself
“We really have a day for milk?! How special!”
Today, 11 years later, I’m once again celebrating World Milk Day. This time as a Research Engineer in the top dairy research center in the world, Fonterra Research and Development Centre, Palmerston North.
The journey to where I am today was made possible by God, my family and my mentors, in that particular order. It has been an exciting journey and so far the results are incredible!!
And yes! If I can do it, you too can.
This year’s focus for World Milk Day is on climate action. The question to be answered is “What can we do to build upon low emission positions?” We want to meet the global needs but we have do this in a sustainable manner.
#worldmilkday #goodnessofmilk #sustainability
