SCOTLAND’S SCHOOL Milk Scheme should be retained and expanded, NFU Scotland said this week.

The EU Scheme currently allows local authorities in Scotland to claim funding to subsidise their school milk schemes, giving schoolchildren access to fresh milk.

Responding to the Scottish Government consultation on the EU School Milk Scheme, NFUS suggested an expanded range of high quality Scottish dairy produce, adding local cheese and yoghurt to the menu. It also suggested that the milk scheme be supported by an educational package that explains the benefits of dairy in the diet to school children and teachers.

NFUS milk committee chairman James Rankin, who milks cows at Badenheath Farm near Cumbernauld, said: “The many health benefits of including dairy in the diet are well recognised but this scheme presents the opportunity to see the offering to Scotland’s schoolchildren go beyond fresh, tasty milk and bring in some of the fantastic cheeses and yoghurts we produce here in Scotland.

“The scheme also presents a chance to strengthen links between schoolchildren and farmers and the various types of food they produce," said Mr Rankin. "Changing the focus of the school milk scheme will boost the consumption of dairy produce in the long term and use our education system to instil healthy eating habits.

"The old and new science clearly proves that dairy produce is good for children, and this scheme is an ideal opportunity to educate not only the school children but also, in many cases, their teachers and classroom assistants," he added. "Education is key to tackling the huge challenge of obesity, osteoporosis and unhealthy eating habits, and dairy can play a vital and important role.”