Milk does more than nourish families—it builds economies. In commemoration of World Milk Day, Costa Rican dairy giant Dos Pinos has spotlighted the critical, yet often unseen, role that female producers play in steering the nation’s agricultural future.
Established 25 years ago by the FAO, World Milk Day (celebrated every June 1st) emphasizes the role of dairy in global nutrition and rural economic development. This year, Dos Pinos shifted its entire focus toward its female associates, who are actively breaking barriers by managing dairy farms and leading major agricultural operations.
Women at the Helm of Costa Rican Farms
Dos Pinos operates as a 100% Costa Rican cooperative owned by 1,300 local producers. Strikingly, 25% of these main business owners and operators are women. These female leaders oversee daily fieldwork, manage financial assets, and ensure that premium dairy products reach millions of households across Central America.
“Dos Pinos is a cooperative with a dairy heart,” stated Sofía Valverde, Manager of Communication and Community Relations at Dos Pinos. “Out of our 1,300 members, 25% are women who act as the heads of their respective dairy businesses, driving productivity in the fields every single day.”
This local reality mirrors global patterns. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Global Dairy Platform, women comprise a foundational pillar of the global dairy workforce. Their tasks go far beyond general labor; they heavily influence:
- Comprehensive animal care and livestock welfare.
- Family and community nutrition.
- Rural entrepreneurship.
- Sustainable farming and resource-efficient agricultural practices.
More Than Food: An Economic Engine for Rural Towns
The dairy sector is a massive economic lifeline in Costa Rica, specifically supporting micro and small-scale farmers. By maintaining a model that buys milk directly from local producers, Dos Pinos functions as an financial engine for rural towns.
Prioritizing Science and Public Health
Beyond the financials, Dos Pinos continues to align its portfolio with evolving public health expectations. Milk remains an irreplaceable source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for development.
Valverde emphasized that the cooperative takes its nutritional responsibility seriously: “Our central purpose is to promote healthy and sustainable diets, backing every decision in our portfolio with scientific evidence, corporate transparency, and a model of ethical self-regulation that prioritizes public health across the region.”
By combining strict health standards with local socio-economic support, Dos Pinos proves that honoring the women on the farm directly translates to a healthier, wealthier country.
