BRYMORE SCHOOL FARM MUCKS IN WITH OMSCo ORGANIC DAIRY FESTIVAL
This press release was posted on : 08th October 2003
Brymore School Farm in Bridgwater has joined up with organic dairy farmers across the South West to take part in the OMSCo organic dairy festival for schools. Teacher Anne Nurton, and pupils from the specialist agricultural school Brymore, will be visiting local primary schools to talk to the children about how organic milk and dairy is produced, and help them link their local environment with familiar foods.
Over 1,500 children across the South West will be taking part in the festival organized by the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo), the largest and longest established cooperative of organic dairy farmers. Brymore School Farm is itself a member of the cooperative, with its herd of 15 dairy cows.
Today children at Netherstowey school near Bridgwater will be taking part in the festival, and are looking forward to a visit from Anne Nurton. The children will learn about what happens on an organic dairy farm, how organic milk and cheese is made, and will also get a chance to taste delicious Lye Cross organic cheddar cheese, along with organic biscuits and apples.
Commenting on the festival Anne said, "Many children don't really link the cows in our fields with the milk in their fridge and don't understand that top quality healthy organic milk is made without using artificial pesticides, GM cattle feed or routine use of antibiotics. We at Brymore School Farm made a decision to convert to organic production because we believe it is better for the cow, the environment, and our health. "
"We think that the OMSCo Organic Dairy Festival is a great opportunity for children to learn how organic milk and cheese is made and how it travels from the farms across the South West to their breakfast table."
Dairy farming is a major industry in the South West and the area is a centre of organic production, producing top quality milk which is sold across the country or turned into organic cheese, butter and yogurt.
The Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative supply the majority of the UK's organic milk to a range of brands - from Yeo Valley yogurt to Sainsbury's own label milk. For more information about the Co-op or about organic milk visit www.organicmilk.co.uk
Ends
For more information or to organize photography of the events call Katy Bedingfield, Abby Edwards, Nicole Bowman on 0117 922 7799, fax 0117 925 7070 or email abby.edwards@grayling.co.uk
Editors notes:
The organic biscuits for the schools have been donated by Doves Farm, and the apples by David Purdoe of Priors Grove Organic Orchards in Herefordshire
OMSCo was formed in 1994 when five like-minded
organic dairy farmers joined forces to sell their organic milk. Now with around 500 members, OMSCo is the largest and longest established UK organic milk supplier.