NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) criticized the central government's fresh milk policy for students on Wednesday (Dec. 11), citing inconsistencies in its planning. The policy aims to offer students two weekly opportunities to drink domestically produced fresh milk. Still, Hou pointed out that supply shortages have forced many to choose long-life milk instead.
Hou urged the central government to collaborate with local authorities and industries to devise effective strategies. He emphasized the need for joint efforts to address execution challenges, noting that urban areas could utilize convenience store vouchers through the New Taipei Campus App (校園通App) or EasyCard (悠遊卡) for quick milk access.
In rural areas, Hou highlighted the importance of considering cold chain systems or school support facilities. He called for cooperation between central and local governments to tailor solutions to regional needs. The Ministry of Agriculture (農業部) introduced the policy in September to mitigate the impact of New Zealand's zero-tariff dairy imports in 2025 on local dairy farmers. However, the policy has faced criticism for inadequate support measures, such as schools lacking cold chain equipment and increased administrative burdens.
