New Delhi, October 31, 2025: Danone has launched the Milk Academy, an industry-first global training initiative designed to help dairy farmers adapt to economic and environmental pressures while strengthening the resilience of the global dairy supply chain.
Farmers participating in the programme will receive accredited training from Wageningen University & Research and Cornell University. The curriculum covers herd productivity, animal longevity, manure management, soil health, regenerative agriculture for feed and crops, and methods to reduce methane emissions. Business-focused modules will also cover succession planning, risk management and resource allocation.
Tom Overton, Department Chair of Animal Science and Director of the PRO-DAIRY programme at Cornell University, said: “The Cornell PRO-DAIRY and Agricultural Workforce Development teams are excited to partner with Danone on the Milk Academy. Working with farmers to help them enhance their management skills to improve cow health and well-being, management of people and their businesses, and stewardship of the environment is our passion, and we are delighted that Danone has chosen to partner with us.”
Geurt Heimensen MSc, Manager at Wageningen Academy, added: “We look forward to contributing our scientific knowledge and expertise to this Danone programme and to the wider transition towards climate- and nature-positive dairy. This aligns strongly with WUR’s ambition to create real impact in practice. It’s about ensuring that our knowledge reaches those who need it most, in various continents. As an independent research and education institute, Wageningen University & Research is committed to empowering people with the skills and insights needed to drive sustainable change.”
Alongside in-person training, Danone will launch a new digital platform offering access to academic and technical expertise, alongside opportunities for best practice sharing across the company’s international farming community according to the reports published in newfoodmagazine.com.
The Danone Milk Academy is a central pillar of the company’s Danone Impact Journey, its long-term roadmap to create more sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems. By investing in farmer upskilling and innovation, Danone aims to accelerate the shift towards regenerative agriculture while strengthening productivity, cutting emissions and securing resilience across the global dairy supply chain.
