Today, June 1st, is a day of celebration as we mark the United Nations World Milk Day 2020.
People from around the world are encouraged to raise a glass of milk in recognition of the importance of milk as a globally essential food.
World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations 20 years ago. The event also highlights the importance of dairy farmers and rural communities as the bedrock of milk production both in Ireland and globally.
Dairy farming families
In support of the celebration, ICOS (the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society) President Jerry Long has commended to co-operative dairy farmers and processors throughout Ireland for their excellent response and contribution throughout the current crisis as primary producers.
“The commitment of Irish dairy farming families over many generations to produce milk of the highest possible quality, primarily through the pasture-based system of grazing fresh grass, provides the litre of milk as the very building block of our entire industry,” Long said.
Co-operative movement
Since its establishment in 1894, Long said the co-operative movement has empowered farming communities collectively to grow the agricultural and food industry that is in place today.
“Co-operatives are at the heart of our dairy processing sector where we have a major commitment to economic progress on a sustainable platform including most particularly the protection of our environment through sustainable production and processing practices now and into the future.”
“Everyone should celebrate the wonderful and natural product we value and enjoy and that contributes so much to our lives and economy and raise a glass on World Milk Day.”
