SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. & MODESTO, Calif. — Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed June 2010 as “Real California Milk Month” in the state of California for the third year in a row. The proclamation honors the efforts of California’s more than 1,750 dairy families and the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) to keep the state’s dairy industry healthy and strong.
California is the leading milk producer in the United States, accounting for one-fifth of the nation’s supply, and dairy products are California’s largest agricultural commodity. With the current economic climate, Governor Schwarzenegger’s proclamation says, “The dairy industry plays a significant role in strengthening California’s economy.” Now more than ever the governor encourages Californians to buy local milk and dairy products to support the state’s dairies, 99% of which are family owned.
“The official proclamation of June as Real California Milk Month in California is a special celebration for our dairy families, particularly in these tough economic times,” said Stan Andre, chief executive officer of the CMAB. “The CMAB was formed as a vehicle to promote California dairy products to consumers, helping California become the nation’s leading dairy producer. Buying dairy products with the Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seals supports California families who proudly help create over 440,000 jobs and generate $63 billion in economic activity for our state.”
Andre adds that Californians often express their desire to purchase local food products and to eat healthy, and this proclamation is meant to encourage them to do so – not just in June, but year-round. Dairy products made with California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies that the products are made exclusively with milk produced on California dairy farms. In addition to milk, California also produces more butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese, which is available nationally under the Real California Cheese seal.
About the California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s 1,752 dairy families. With headquarters in South San Francisco and Modesto, the CMAB is one of the largest commodity boards in the United States. The CMAB executes advertising, public relations, research and retail and foodservice promotional programs on behalf of California dairy products, including Real California Milk and Real California Cheese. For more information on California dairy products, visit www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
Source: California Milk Advisory Board