A new NFU Scotland campaign, encouraging people to support their local dairy farmers and buy Mull of Kintyre Cheddar, has been launched.
NFU Scotland’s President Allan Bowie was joined by local dairy farmers, First Milk representatives, and politicians to speak to members of the public at the launch of the Kintyre Cheese? Yes Please! campaign in Campbeltown on April 7 at The Co-operative Food store. The campaign has been created by the local branch office of NFU Scotland.
As well as handing out free samples of Mull of Kintyre Cheddar, the campaign’s promotional materials – car and bumper stickers – were also given out to promote the award-winning produce which is available from a number of local outlets. Mull of Kintyre Cheddar is also available from many supermarkets nationally.
NFU Scotland President Allan Bowie commented: “This is a fantastic campaign that encourages people to support their local farmers. It extends beyond Kintyre, however, and if we can get more people buying local produce it will help to sustain our rural economy.
“Kintyre’s residents are fortunate enough to have such a high quality cheese made right on their doorsteps and we would encourage as many people as possible to buy Mull of Kintyre Cheddar and support the dairy farmers in this area.
“In this year of Scotland Food and Drink we are celebrating the great produce we have right here in Scotland, and helping the public to realise this. It is a positive step towards supporting our economy and the future of dairy farming in Scotland.”
NFU Scotland’s Kintyre Branch Chairman, David Bolt commented: “The funding is now secured from the government but what we need now is for First Milk to take the next step. We’re are getting lots of positives out of this campaign, with good feedback from members of the public.
“We now need to keep the pressure on and drive the campaign forward. The most positive move we could hope for is that as a result of joint working the price paid to producers starts to increase, which would make a lot of difference to the situation.
“We have got to keep it going. The hard work that has been put in is now coming to fruition and we need the creamery upgraded and everything else will hopefully start to follow.”
Jim Baird, Farming Director for First Milk, who attended the launch said: “This initiative is a great example of local producers backing their own creamery.
“First Milk has set up a working group that involves producers working in a joined up approach to develop the creamery.
“The solution needs the farmers, the plant and the marketing to pull together.”
