Dairy Outlook is a service of FAO's Trade and Markets Division<http://www.fao.org/economic/est/est-commodities/dairy/en/>
Thank you to Nancy and H.F. Bilimoria, both long-standing members of the List, for their comments.
Regarding Nancy's observation on the origin of World Milk Day - this was proposed by a List member during discussion on establishing World School Milk Day. I have to say, that I wasn't particularly in favour of either - as I was unsure how many countries would join and I didn't know what the organizational implications were; however, as many members favoured the idea, I decided ... somewhat reluctantly ... to go ahead. Once the decision was made, it's true that the List has played a central role in promoting both Days. Therefore, seeing how widely the two days are celebrated, is a cause for satisfaction.
Over the years, both days have moved out of the garden; in that, in the early years, the celebrations were mainly organized by List members and their respective organizations. Since then, many countries, companies and individuals have picked up on the evident. As a result, we now have to do an internet search to find many reports. Nevertheless, I have a feeling that this year more replies than usual have come in from list members - for which I thank them. The migration of the Days from the list has been a very positive, and unforeseen, step and the celebrations now have a dynamic outside FAO and no longer depend only on the List for their promotion.
Turning to H.F. Bilimoria's report. While it might be one-step removed, a dairy importer could also organize World Milk Day celebrations - after all, dairy producers somewhere are benefitting. In fact, FrieslandCampina has done this in many countries; although, having said this, the celebrations do look very uniform (same promotion kit seems to have been sent to each country - Belize, St Lucia and Dominica, for example); additionally, some of readers' comments on the related sites are critical of what they see as simply a marketing campaign.
In a world of noise and tweeting for attention, I believe there is still a place for reflection and considered comment - this for me is the List.
Once again, World Milk Day greetings to everyone.
Michael
From: Newsletter on production and trade development in the dairy sector [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of FAO-Dairy-Outlook
Sent: 09 June 2014 15:17
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Subject: 2 comments on - World Milk Day
Dairy Outlook is a service of FAO's Trade and Markets Division<http://www.fao.org/economic/est/est-commodities/dairy/en/>
Dear Michael,
On those gray doubt-full days, just think of the immense impact of your suggestion that a World Milk Day be celebrated on 1st June. So many marvellous ways of celebrating the White Stuff in so many countries! Surely that is enough vindication of the List and your efforts.
Congratulations to all and every participant in this Great Celebration of Milk!
Nancy
Mauritania
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Wishing all members a belated Happy World Milk Day!
In Oman, there were no celebration nor joy, because Oman has become almost totally dependent on import of milk and dairy products. Hence, the World Milk Day went unnoticed. Two major dairies - one producing fresh milk and dairy products in Sohar and another producing UHT milk and dairy products in Muscat closed down few years back; except for a few small dairies, who cannot cope with the demand.
Best wishes.
H. F. BILIMORIA
Sultanate of Oman
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