World Milk Day marked with educational activity aimed at schools and promotion of Azorean milk - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Agricultura e Alimentação

As part of the celebrations for World Milk Day and World Children’s Day, marked today, June 1, the Regional Secretariat for Agriculture and Food, through IAMA, IPRA (Institute for Food and Agricultural Markets), is promoting an educational initiative aimed at schools across the Region. The aim is to highlight the importance of milk in a balanced and healthy diet whilst promoting the excellence of milk produced in the Azores.

This international event provides an opportunity to recognise the daily work of Azorean producers, cooperatives and all professionals involved in the agrifood sector, who have helped to establish Azorean milk as a high-quality product, recognised both within and outside the Region.

The Azores have established themselves as a leading player in milk production at both national and European levels, standing out for the excellence and authenticity of their milk. Benefiting from unique natural conditions, green pastures all year round, and a sustainable production model deeply connected to nature, the Region produces high-quality milk, recognised for its freshness, nutritional richness and distinctive characteristics that elevate and bring prestige to the Azorean agrifood sector.

On this day, the Regional Government commends and congratulates the Azores Agricultural Federation, as the leading voice and main representative of regional milk producers, for the decisive role it has played in defending, promoting and upholding the Azorean dairy sector through its initiatives, advocacy and unwavering dedication to an industry that accounts for about 30% of the country’s total milk production.

IAMA, IPRA is organising an educational question-and-answer session aimed at the Azorean school community. It is intended to raise awareness among young people about the importance of milk, explaining its origin, the journey from production to consumption, the nutritional benefits associated with drinking it, and the importance of milk for school-age children. The initiative is also an opportunity to highlight the strategic role of the dairy sector in the regional economy and the identity of the Azores.

The activity will be accessible via a QR code featured on the campaign poster, allowing schools to access the educational content prepared for this initiative in a simple and interactive way.

The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Food, António Ventura, emphasised that “promoting Azorean milk is about recognising the dedication, daily effort and resilience of farmers, as well as the absolutely crucial role played by the dairy sector in the economic, social and territorial development of the Azores, as one of the fundamental pillars of the Region's identity and sustainability.”

“It is essential to continue bringing younger generations closer to the reality of Azorean agriculture, promoting healthy eating habits and raising awareness of high-quality regional products, such as Azorean milk,” stressed the government official.

He added: “Milk is a fundamental part of a balanced diet, as it provides proteins of high nutritional value, as well as vitamins and minerals essential for the body to function properly.”

With this initiative, the Regional Government reiterates its commitment to food education, the promotion of regional production and the enhancement of a strategic sector for the future of Azorean agriculture.