The initiative was spearheaded by NFU Cymru Monmouthshire County Chair Emma Robinson as part of NFU Cymru’s fourth annual Welsh Farming Week campaign. Emma, who farms at Grosmont, took representatives from the entire dairy supply chain along to Cantref School in Abergavenny to highlight the partnerships that see fresh Monmouthshire milk delivered to schools in the county. She was joined by representatives from NFU Cymru, Cotteswold Dairy and Raglan Dairy, as well as the Leader of Monmouthshire County Council Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby and Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch.
The dairy supply chain
NFU Cymru Monmouthshire County Chair Emma Robinson, said: “The journey of farm to fork is an important message to share amongst all consumers. I am a proud supplier of Welsh milk to Cotteswold Dairy. Cotteswold pasteurise our milk and bottle it before sending it to Raglan dairies, who distribute it to their customers and the school network in the county. The demand on Welsh farmers is ever increasing and it’s fantastic to see the support of all of these partners and stakeholders for us as primary food producers. We were so grateful to also have Council Leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby present to see the full journey of farm to fork and for ensuring Monmouthshire milk returns to our schools in Monmouthshire.”
Andrea Leach from Cotteswold Dairy said: “We’re really proud to be joining Welsh Farming Week at Cantref School in Abergavenny. It’s so important to inspire and connect with the next generation, helping them understand where their food comes from and the love and care that goes into producing it."
James Durose, Raglan Dairy added: “We are very pleased to supply local dairy produce to schools and households in Monmouthshire. It’s a privilege to work with local farmers such as Emma and her family, and a company such as Cotteswold Dairy that holds the value on food provenance as us.’