TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Local governments in Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Chiayi City, and Tainan City urged the central government on Thursday (Dec. 19) to continue providing free fresh milk to students. Officials emphasized the benefits for both local dairy farmers and students. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部) and Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) initiated this policy earlier this year to address next year's zero-tariff challenge on New Zealand milk imports.
The Executive Yuan (行政院) announced on Thursday that the policy will be discontinued starting next semester. Officials cited differing opinions among local governments for halting the program. Executive Yuan Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李芝慧) noted that the difficulty in implementing policy stemmed from the diverse and conflicting views of parents, local governments, and educational institutions.
A source from the Executive Yuan highlighted the lack of consensus among local governments regarding milk distribution methods. The unresolved issue of policy leadership further complicated matters, as some local governments preferred the central distribution of fresh milk or the issuance of dairy vouchers. MOA plans to continue dialogues with local governments and promote the dairy industry's guidance and upgrades to enhance the competitiveness of Taiwan's quality agricultural products.
