Council 'didn't mean to cause offence' over milk

A council that suggested residents could consider using alternatives to dairy milk said it did not mean to cause offence after it was criticised by local farmers.

Gloucestershire County Council made the suggestion as part of its 'Swaps in Seconds' campaign.

A spokesperson said: "Gloucestershire has an amazing farming community who go beyond the call of duty to produce local milk that people across the county enjoy.

"We encourage everyone to go out and support their local farmers however people buy their milk and other local food."

It said the swap suggestion was part of a series of ideas for people to consider.

"We didn't mean to cause offence or to suggest people shouldn't support their local farmers," the council added.

Councillor David Gray, cabinet member for environment, said the campaign is about making small changes.

"Dairy is one of the big producers of methane so our suggestion is every so often instead of having milk with your coffee, you have oat milk or soy and that way make a small difference in the overall impact of your lifestyle on the environment".

He added: "I understand the point about local dairy farmers and I'm very supportive of the local dairy farmers in terms of encouraging people to buy their milk locally and look for the labelling.

"We are not saying don't touch milk. The campaign is all about small changes."

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