Information Bulletin - July 2008: EU School Milk Subsidy Scheme
INFORMATION BULLETIN – EU SCHOOL MILK SCHEME
From 1 August 2008 the EU School Milk Scheme will change.
For many years Member States have been required under Commission Regulation (EC) No 2707/2000 to offer subsidised drinking milk, flavoured milk and plain yoghurt to nursery and primary schools. For this purpose an EU subsidy (currently worth about 3p per 200ml serving) was paid and Member States had the option of paying a national “top-up” subsidy (currently worth about 0.8p per 200ml serving). Both of these subsidies have been paid in Northern Ireland.
The above Commission Regulation, which sets out detailed rules for the implementation of the EU School Milk Scheme, has been replaced by Commission Regulation (EC) No.657/2008 of 10 July 2008. The revised rules extend the coverage of the Scheme to secondary schools, revise the list of other products available and introduce various administrative changes. From 1 August 2008 the position in Northern Ireland is as follows -
- The EU subsidy and the “top-up” subsidy will be paid on drinking milk, flavoured milk and plain yoghurt supplied to children in nursery, primary and secondary schools.
- Participation by schools is at the discretion of school management. Schools wishing to participate in the Scheme should liaise with their local Education and Library Board which will prepare a composite claim for all schools in its area.
- Each school participating in the Scheme must display an A3 size poster in the entrance hall advertising the subsidy. A template version will be made available.
- Claims by Education and Library Boards for payment must be submitted within 3 months of the end of the term rather than 4 months as at present.
Further information may be obtained from:-
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Room 142 Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
BELFAST
BT4 3SB
Tel: 028 9052 4815
Fax: 028 9052 4574
E-mail: gillian.heal@dardni.gov.uk
28 July 2008
