TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Executive Yuan (行政院) stirred controversy on Thursday (Dec. 19) by announcing the termination of the free milk program for elementary school students. Originally designed to support local dairy farmers and modernize the industry, the program faced significant challenges just months after its launch in September, particularly with New Zealand's milk imports set to enter the market tariff-free in 2025.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部) and the Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部), aimed to provide students with fresh, domestic milk. However, conflicting opinions from parents and schools, coupled with significant logistical hurdles, complicated its implementation.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Du Wen-zhen (杜文珍) assured the public that the MOA remains committed to supporting the dairy sector, focusing on upgrading practices to ensure high-quality agricultural products for citizens. Plans are in motion to enhance local dairy competitiveness through advancements in breed improvement, disease control, and smart technology integration.
This year, the free milk program had a budget of approximately NT$710 million, with next year's allocation projected to rise to around NT$748 million. In light of the program's cessation, authorities are set to engage in discussions with industry groups about budget reallocation. In response to media inquiries, MOE official Peng Fu-yuan (彭富源) emphasized that conversations with local governments and schools are ongoing to enhance nutritional standards in school lunches, ensuring that students still have access to healthy options despite the program's end.
