California Dairy Families Kick Off Dairy Month With Recognition From Governor

Proclamation Highlights Importance of Real California Milk to Local Communities, State's Economy

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Jun 09, 2015, 07:44 ET

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and MODESTO, Calif., June 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. proclaimed June as "Real California Milk Month," paying homage to more than 1,450 dairy families who make California the number one milk-producing state and dairy the state's number one agricultural commodity. This regional distinction is in addition to the annual National Dairy Month celebration that recognizes the range of dairy products and the farmers who produce the milk that helps feed the nation.

"Dairy farming and dairy processing added $21 billion to the state's economy in 2014, improving employment opportunities for California residents and stimulating local and regional economies," said Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications for the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). "We are extremely proud to take the month of June to celebrate the families who make this industry thrive. The CMAB is a farmer-funded organization dedicated to building awareness and demand for California dairy products, so June is a special time of year for us to honor the hard work and dedication of those farmers and families who make the delicious and nutritious dairy foods that consumers love possible."

In celebrating the people behind the industry and the Real California Milk seal, the Governor's proclamation recognizes the contributions of California's dairy families to the state and spotlights the California dairy industry, which accounts for more than 20 percent of the nation's milk supply. As the proclamation highlights, "the hard work of California's more than 1,450 dairy families has made them leaders in the field."

Ninety-nine percent of California dairy farms are family-owned. California produces more fluid milk, butter, ice cream, nonfat dry milk and whey protein concentrate than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt, which is available nationally under the Real California Cheese Seal. 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.

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 more than 1,450 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 about California dairy products, visit www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com, like Real California Milk at Facebook.com/RealCaliforniaMilk, follow at Twitter.com/RealCalifMilk, pin at Pinterest.com/RealCalifMilk and follow on Instagram @RealCalifMilk.

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SOURCE California Milk Advisory Board