Members of the union raised concerns that Ceredigion County Council had initially elected to offer only oat smoothies on its Pentref Ceredigion stand at the Eisteddfod, which this year is being hosted on a dairy farm in Tregaron.
NFU Cymru has written to the Chief Executive of Ceredigion County Council and has met with representatives of the local authority in attendance at Y Maes to discuss the issue. The union is encouraged that its members’ concerns have been acknowledged and that Ceredigion County Council is now offering visitors to its Pentref Ceredigion stand a choice of dairy and non-dairy options.
NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said:
“The National Eisteddfod is a celebration of Wales’ language, culture and heritage and agriculture is an integral part of the fabric of rural communities in Wales.
“While we of course acknowledge that it is important for the authority to provide a variety of options to cater for children with specific dietary requirements or those who not wish to drink milk for other reasons, it is regrettable that the council has initially neglected to offer children the opportunity to drink smoothies made with delicious and nutritious locally produced dairy milk, which provides a great source of protein, calcium, Vitamin B and other beneficial nutrients.
“We are, however, pleased that the concerns of farmers and other Eisteddfod visitors have been heeded and that the council will now be offering children the option to have fresh, healthy and wholesome cow’s milk in their smoothies during the rest of the event. It is unfortunate that this initial and unfortunate oversight has detracted from the Pentref Ceredigion stand’s broader showcase of local produce, cookery demonstrations and rural life.
“NFU Cymru looks forward to a follow-up meeting with the council after the National Eisteddfod to discuss other issues of importance to the local farming community, including the council’s food procurement policies, planning issues and the impact of future policy on Ceredigion’s farmers.”