SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., & MODESTO, Calif. – June 9, 2011 – Governor Jerry Brown today proclaimed June 2011 as “Real California Milk Month” in the state of California for the fourth year in a row.  The proclamation honors the efforts of California’s more than 1,620 dairy families and the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) to keep the state’s dairy industry healthy and strong.  

The proclamation can be viewed at http://gov.ca.gov/s_proclamations.php.

California produces more milk, ice cream, butter and yogurt than any other state and dairy is California’s largest agricultural commodity.  With the current economic climate, Governor Brown’s proclamation says, “Our dairy farms contribute in innumerable ways to the state’s economic prosperity.”  

“We’re delighted the governor has shown his support to buy local and support California’s dairies, 99% of which are family owned,” said Stan Andre, chief executive officer of the CMAB. “The CMAB was formed as a vehicle to build consumer demand for California milk and dairy products. Buying dairy products year-round—not just in June—with the Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seals is one way Californians can support our state’s dairy families, who live and work in communities throughout the state.”

Andre adds that dairy products made with California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they 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.

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s more than 1,620 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.