Farming union anger at ‘oat drink’ only option on council’s stand at Eisteddfod… held on dairy farm

Farmers Union of Wales has met with Ceredigion Council’s leader following concerns about the lack of a cow’s milk option for making smoothies on their stall at the Eisteddfod.

The union said that members of the public raised concerns to it about the lack of cow’s milk as a choice for children who were making smoothies on a stand run by Ceredigion County Council.

Discussions were held with the leader to understand the reasoning behind the decision to allegedly only offer oat drink, a dairy milk alternative, as a base for the smoothies

An FUW official said that the point was put to the leader that this year’s Eisteddfod was being held on a dairy farm, therefore could they offer an explanation for the dubious choice of using an oat drink from France rather than local fresh milk?

Speaking on behalf of the Farmers’ Union of Wales, the President Glyn Roberts said: “Ceredigion is one of the most famous counties in Wales for producing milk and the industry makes a huge contribution to the economy and culture of the county.

“The Eisteddfod Maes and competing is full of adults and children who come from dairy farms, as well as those who work in the milk industry and the feelings of disappointment and anger about the choice of using oat drink from France rather than local milk is plain to see.”

Although Ceredigion County Council claim that the decision to use oat drinks rather than cow’s milk was based on concerns around maintaining adequate and safe temperatures while storing milk, Mr Roberts said that there were serious concerns to answer about this excuse.

“The Farmers’ Union of Wales-like tens of other organisations-give out cow’s milk regularly on stalls at shows and events and have done so for decades-even at the Royal Welsh Show recently where temperatures soared higher than ever before.

“There is nothing out of the ordinary about the temperatures we are experiencing this week and so the question still stands, so why has Ceredigion County Council decided to promote oat drinks imported from France rather than locally-sourced milk of the highest possible quality?”

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said in response: “The council has daily cooking demonstrations at the National Eisteddfod focusing on produce from various areas across the county, and offering tea to the public using a local dairy company, Llaeth Llanfair.

“There is also a range of opportunities for children, young people and families to keep fit and participate safely in inclusive and varied activities on the Maes.

“The smoothie bikes are an outdoor activity that requires the ingredients to be a product that can be kept out of the fridge for a while.

“In addition, the council needs to ensure inclusive provisions for children with allergies/intolerances, and this is done by offering drinks options that include cow’s milk, oat drinks, orange juice and water.

“The decision was taken following the advice of the council’s internal health and safety service due to the risk of children suffering an anaphylactic shock if they happen to have any food allergies.

“All drink options are now available to those who wish to participate on the smoothie bike activity.”

(Lead image: Ceredigion Council)