School's across Britain celebrate benefits of milk programmes

Farmers Union of Wales has visited schools to promote agriculture
Farmers Union of Wales has visited schools to promote agriculture

Pupils across Britain joined countries around the world to highlight the health benefits of school milk programmes and making dairy a part of a healthy diet.

In Wales, the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) said the initiative is "very important" for the dairy industry.

Farmers have been going into local schools to tell children the benefits of drinking milk and eating dairy.

FUW Milk and Dairy Committee Chairman Dai Miles said: “It’s very important that we as an industry go to schools to promote agriculture and educate the next generation about how their food is produced.

“Milk and dairy products have an important part to play in our daily diet as they provide an important source of protein and calcium and contain essential vitamins and minerals, all of which are needed for a balanced diet.

“Indeed, the exclusion of dairy products from the ‘sugar tax’ demonstrates the role such products play in a healthy diet.”

With an increasing amount of research into milk as a recovery and re-hydration aid, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting milk may be just as effective in these areas as some sports or other energy drinks.

“Milk can definitely help pupils stay hydrated and keep their energy levels up in class and it is a much healthier option than some of the sugary drinks available,” added Mr Miles.

I would like to thank our schools across Wales for their support today and hope that we can continue working with them on educating pupils about farming matters and where their food comes from.”