The National Dairy Council (NDC), the farmer-funded organisation responsible for the promotion of Irish dairy products and production, has launched an e-learning website platform for school-age students (4 to 18 years, junior infants to sixth year).
The new resource is part of a range of activities aimed at building awareness of, and pride in, Irish dairy amongst a younger audience – specifically dairy’s importance as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. The portal also outlines the measures that farmers are putting into place to reduce the carbon footprint of Irish milk production.
The new portal has been funded by the EU School Milk Scheme and is part of the NDC’s Moo Crew initiative, which was developed in conjunction with teachers and has been running since 2013.
The e-learning element will educate students about the nutritional benefits of dairy consumption as well as about the stories behind dairy production, offering lesson plans (curriculum linked and age appropriate) and interactive materials linked to the milk distributed in the classroom, while also encouraging students to use the material at home with their parents.
Sinéad Whelan, NDC Schools Programme Manager, said it is more important than ever that young people are fully informed about the importance of dairy – to their health, their communities, Ireland’s economy, and as a foundation of our heritage and culture.
Ms Whelan commented:
“Research shows that only 4% of teenagers are consuming the recommended daily amount of dairy [1]. This means they’re missing out on the protein, calcium, iodine and other nutrients that are readily available in milk, cheese or yogurt – and which are essential to healthy growth and cognitive function.
“They’re also being exposed to misinformation about dairy products and the dairy production process, and it’s important that we provide factual counterpoints to these claims.
“Irish dairy is renowned the world over for its quality and taste and it is an important part of a healthy and sustainable diet. The Moo Crew initiative, the e-portal we have just launched, and the School Milk programme are key to ensuring that young people have the information and experience they need to make an informed choice.”
Speaking at the launch, Garry Ringrose, Ireland rugby player and NDC Ambassador, said:
“As a professional athlete, what I put into my body is just as important as how I train. Eating well isn’t just about game day—it’s about fuelling my body every day so I can perform at my best, recover properly, and stay strong.
“Dairy has always been a big part of my diet, especially when it comes to recovery. Milk is a great source of protein, which helps with muscle growth and repair, and it also provides natural carbohydrates to help replenish energy levels. Plus, it’s a really effective way to stay hydrated.
“It’s important that young people understand how good nutrition supports their performance, whether they play sports or not. And just as important is knowing where their food comes from and the work that goes into producing quality dairy.”
Learn more about the Moo Crew initiative at www.moocrew.ie.
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For further information:
Richard Magnier | rmagnier@ndc.ie | 00 353 (0) 86 809 6316
Jeremy Probert | jeremy@4tc.ie | 00 353 (0) 89 700 0792
About the NDC
The National Dairy Council is a farmer-funded representative body that works to promote and protect Ireland’s internationally renowned dairy reputation for excellent products, produced in an increasingly sustainable way.
About the EU School Milk Scheme
The EU School Milk Scheme has operated in Ireland since 1982 with the objective of promoting and encouraging the consumption of milk amongst school children. This involves the daily distribution of c. 189mls of drinking milk to participating children in approximately 350 pre-school, primary and post-primary schools. The scheme is subsidised by the European Union and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
[1] Research conducted by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance, 2024
