Dairy’s Global Impact

Year after year, generation after generation, milk and dairy foods continue to be a trusted source of nutrition and comfort around the world.

The dairy sector plays an important role in helping to nourish the world, producing 881 million tonnes of milk in 2019, a number that increases every year. More than 80% of the world’s population, or about 6 billion people, regularly consume liquid milk or other dairy products.

Dairy farming and processing are integral to national economies and individual livelihoods. There are about 133 million dairy farms globally. Over 600 million people live on dairy farms including 80 million women, around 37 million of whom head up their farms. 9% of the global milk production is traded annually.

A growing world population and changes in consumption habits continue to boost dairy demand. Meeting this demand, whilst also finding new ways to reduce impact on environment, manage resources efficiently and increase benefits to biodiversity and bio-economy, is a crucial part of the commitment of the dairy sector for continuous improvement.