A dairy farm in Dumfries and Galloway is to host a vegan-friendly tour in a bid to “break down barriers”.
The Ethical Dairy will welcome vegans and people on plant-based diets to Rainton Farm on Thursday May 21.
It forms part of a programme created by the farm and cheese maker after requests from members of the public.
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.”
She added: “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. We are very much looking forward to running these new in-depth farm events, explaining our approach and creating a safe space where people can ask questions about our farm.”
Mr Finlay said the events were being held to encourage people with different points of view to start listening to each other.
He said: “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.
“We all have a little piece of the solution to climate change, we all have lots we can learn from each other, and we all have a vested interest in the long term viability of our planet.”
He said it was time everyone started working together on practical solutions to feed the population in a climate-conscious way.
