IFA seeks withdrawal of Green Schools' pack which "promotes veganism"

The president of the Irish Farmers' Association has called for a Green Schools' teacher resource pack to be withdrawn immediately because it "encourages students to eat less meat and dairy" and "promotes veganism". 

Joe Healy, the president of the IFA, criticised the packs which are produced by An Taisce. 

"“The appropriateness of An Taisce’s involvement in the Green Schools programme should also be reviewed by the Department of Education and Science," said Mr Healy.

He described the Green Schools' initiative as a very positive programme but accused An Taisce of crossing the line by including dietary advice in their resource pack. 

"This is beyond the remit of An Taisce and it not consistent with dietary advice given by the Department of Health, the competent authority, on balanced diets," he commented. 

Mr Healy said Ministers and Government Departments should not be endorsing what he believes is propaganda from An Taisce.

"Farmers are extremely angry that packs like this would be distributed in schools advising students to consume less meat and dairy when both are an important part of a balanced diet. 

"What our children are taught in school should be based on scientific findings proofed by the appropriate state agencies and Government Departments  

"The relevant Government Departments must step in now and ensure that these packs are changed, or ensure that these packs are not distributed in our schools," he concluded.