Danone launches global milk academy to future-proof dairy supply chains

Danone has unveiled its new Milk Academy — an industry-first initiative designed to strengthen the resilience, sustainability, and long-term viability of its global dairy supply chain.

By equipping farmers with cutting-edge knowledge, accredited training, and digital tools, the program aims to transform dairy operations into agile, future-ready businesses that can withstand economic and environmental pressures.

Built around three international Centres of Excellence and supported by local trainings and a digital learning platform, the Academy offers scalable upskilling for farms of all sizes. It addresses critical supply chain needs such as herd productivity, soil health, methane reduction, and regenerative agriculture — while also enhancing business fundamentals like succession planning and risk management.

The first Centre of Excellence launched in Ohio this week, bringing together 60 dairy farmers from nine countries alongside academic and technical partners. Centres in Belgium and Morocco will follow, focusing on mid-sized and smallholder farms respectively.

By investing in farmer capabilities, Danone is reinforcing its supply chain from the ground up—ensuring consistency, quality, and sustainability across its dairy sourcing network. The initiative supports Danone’s broader Impact Journey, helping reduce emissions, improve productivity, and accelerate the shift to climate-positive agriculture.

“Thriving farms mean a thriving supply chain,” said Vikram Agarwal, chief operations officer at Danone. “The Milk Academy is about building resilience where it matters most—on the ground, with our farmer partners.”