World Milk Day

World Milk Day is a day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognise the importance of milk as a global food. It has been observed on June 1 each year since 2001. The day is intended to provide an opportunity to bring attention to activities that are connected with the dairy sector.

Milk is an important part of a healthy balanced diet.  World Milk Day provides the perfect opportunity to spread the word and celebrate all aspects of milk and dairy products  in many countries around the globe. 

It was first designated by the FAO in 2001. June 1 was chosen as the date because many countries were already celebrating a milk day during that time of year.

The Day provides an opportunity to focus attention on milk and to publicise activities connected with milk and the dairy industry. The fact that many countries choose to do this on the same day lends additional importance to individual national celebrations and shows that milk is a global food.

In 2016, World Milk Day was celebrated in over 40 countries. Activities included marathons and family runs, milking demonstrations and farm visits, school-based activities, concerts, conferences and seminars, competitions and a range of events focusing on promoting the value of milk and illustrating the important role played by the dairy industry in the national economy.

Celebrations will happen again on June 1, 2017 with a special campaign carried out by the dairy sector “Raise a Glass” and a campaign hashtag: #WorldMilkDay.