Ethical Dairy event hopes to promote dialogue

Galloway’s Ethical Dairy has announced it will welcome vegans and people on plant-based diets to their farm in May.

The farm and cheese maker says the one-off event will create a “safe space” for visitors with concerns about farming to ask questions directly to the farm team led by David and Wilma Finlay.

Ms Finlay said: “This event is about breaking down barriers and recognising that there are many different reasons why people make the dietary choices they do, and as producers of food we are respectful of the choices our customers make.

“For example, we have many regular customers who are themselves following plant-based diets but buy dairy produce for their children or partner.

“The idea behind these events is basically to share our experience, explain why we do things the way we do and, where possible, to share our skills.”

The Rainton farm committed to permanently following “cow with calf” farming, rather than separating them, last autumn after successfully concluding a three-year pilot.

Mr Finlay said: “Food production and land use has never been more political or contentious.

“For as long as the media and big commercial interests continue to whip up conflict and opposition between people who hold different points of view, agreeing a pathway to sustainability and net zero production will be impossible.

“It’s time everyone started listening to each other.

“It’s time we cut the c**p, stopped the propaganda and started working together on practical solutions to feeding our population in a climate-conscious way.”

Tickets for the tour, starting at 11am, cost £30 and include a vegan lunch.