Written question WQ86128

World School Milk Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the important work dairy farmers undertake each and every day to ensure nutritious milk is provided not just to our school children but to every citizen across Wales.

The Welsh Government’s social media channel has raised awareness of this day, and our support for the industry as a whole.

The dairy sector is an important growth area for the Welsh food and drink industry. The Welsh Government is committed to a sustainable, vibrant and successful agricultural sector and food chain which helps to underpin the wider rural economy.

Milk contains a number of useful nutrients that contribute positively to the diets of children and young people. It is a recommended drink in schools under the Healthy Eating in Schools Regulations 2013, and milk drinks and products are one of the four food groups included in the Free Breakfast in Primary Schools Initiative.

As part of the roll-out of Universal Primary Free School Meals, we will be working with partners to increase the supply of Welsh food and drink products featured within school meals. This will help support local food producers including dairy farmers, as well as shorten supply chains, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen the Foundational Economy.

In addition, we recently published Wales’ first ever Agriculture Bill which recognises the complementary objectives of supporting farmers in the sustainable production of food and drink alongside taking action to respond to the climate and nature emergencies, contributing to thriving rural communities and keeping farmers on the land.