Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch used a debate in the Parliament to welcome the Scottish Government’s Dairy Action Plan, which following his representations, now includes a commitment by the Scottish Government to work with local authorities to increase the consumption in schools of Scottish cheese, butter, yoghurt and other dairy products.

Dave is also encouraging Highland Council to take up a subsidy that would allow Primary School Children access to free milk.

Mr Thompson said, “I welcome the Scottish Government’s Dairy Action Plan.

“The dairy sector is vital to Scotland’s farming and food industry and should be supported.

“This coincides with my campaign to make dairy breaks a routine component of Primary School life for our pupils.

“As part of the Dairy Action Plan the Scottish Government will work with local authorities to increase the consumption in schools of Scottish cheese, butter, yoghurt and other dairy products. There is an opportunity here for Highland Council to take up subsidies already on offer to help further the milk franchise and help advance the dairy action plan.

“Apparently, in the year 2013/ 2014 21 of our 32 Local Authorities claimed but Highland Council was not one of them. I have written to them and would encourage them, in keeping with the Dairy Action Plan, to consider taking up the subsidy, which is administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

“Dairy breaks in schools featuring a range of dairy products would be beneficial to our children both physically and mentally, as well as bringing a much needed boost to the dairy industry”.

Notes:

Dairy Plan.

Market Development (1.2)

“We will work with local authorities to increase the consumption in schools of Scottish cheese, butter, yoghurt and other dairy products. Target June (SG).

Dave’s first press release:

Press Release: Return the Milk to the Kids says MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, used a Rural Affairs Climate Change and Environment Committee (RACCE) meeting today (04/02/15) to propose to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, food and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, that dairy breaks for school kids should be introduced in Scotland.

Commenting on this Mr Thompson said, “I well remember milk breaks when I was in Primary School in the fifties and it is a real shame they were stopped.

A dairy break in the morning offering flavoured milk and yoghurts would ensure children were better nourished and improve their ability to learn.

An initiative such as this would boost the sales of milk and give young folk the chance to develop a taste for dairy products, such as milk and yoghurt, setting the tone for the eating and drinking habits they will take into their adult lives, and will help to enhance the health of the nation as a whole”.

Dave went on, “The dairy industry has been going through a tough a time and deserves public support and I would also hope that major retailers would consider contributing to this as part of their social responsibility and will write to them accordingly.

Not only will children gain a fortified body and mind, the industry will also benefit from increased milk and yoghurt sales.

It really is a win, win, proposal, and one I am pleased the Cabinet Secretary has said he will seriously consider taking forward”.

Dave’s second press release:

MSP Seeks Contributions from Big Retailers in Bid for Dairy Breaks for Kids

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, who recently (04/02/15) used a Rural Affairs Climate Change and Environment Committee (RACCE) to propose to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, food and the Environment, that dairy breaks for primary school kids should be introduced in Scotland, has since written (letter enclosed) to the big supermarket retailers to ask for a financial contribution to the proposal, and has also contacted the Minister for Public Health, Maureen Watt, asking for her support.

Commenting Mr Thompson said, “I spoke with the Cabinet Secretary earlier in the month about introducing dairy breaks for primary school kids and he seemed receptive to the proposal and I have very recently contacted the Minister for Public Health, Maureen Watt, asking for her support”.

Dave went on, “I have also sent letters to the big supermarket retailers asking if this is an idea that they would consider contributing towards and I look forward to hearing their responses”.