NFU Cymru has clashed with Ceredigion County Council over its decision to offer only non-dairy smoothies offering on its stand at the National Eisteddfod.

Members of the union voiced their profound disappointment that the council had initially elected to offer only oat smoothies on its Pentref Ceredigion stand at the Eisteddfod, which this year is being hosted on a dairy farm in Tregaron.

NFU Cymru has written to the chief executive of Ceredigion County Council and has met with representatives of the local authority in attendance to discuss the issue.

The union is encouraged that its members’ concerns were acknowledged and that the council added a choice of dairy and non-dairy options.

NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said: “The National Eisteddfod is a celebration of Wales’ language, culture and heritage and agriculture is an integral part of the fabric of rural communities in Wales.

“We were extremely disappointed to learn that Ceredigion County Council was only offering children visiting its Pentref Ceredigion stand oat drink smoothies.

"While we of course acknowledge that it is important for the authority to provide a variety of options to cater for children with specific dietary requirements or those who do not wish to drink milk for other reasons, it is regrettable that the council has neglected to offer children the opportunity to drink smoothies made with delicious and nutritious locally produced dairy milk, which provides a great source of protein, calcium, vitamin B and other beneficial nutrients.

"The omission of a smoothie made with dairy milk is all the more perplexing given that this year’s National Eisteddfod is being hosted on a prominent dairy farm in the heart of a rural community.

“We are, however, pleased that the concerns of farmers and other Eisteddfod visitors have been heeded and that the council will now be offering children the option to have fresh, healthy and wholesome cow’s milk in their smoothies during the rest of the event."

The union plans a follow-up meeting with the council after the National Eisteddfod to discuss other issues of importance to the local farming community, including the council’s food procurement policies, planning issues and the impact of future policy on Ceredigion’s farmers.