A better future exists for farmers, animals, taxpayers and the environment. Together, we can make that future a reality.
Milk, this is your moment…
An industry on its knees
In the midst of the current global pandemic, the UK dairy industry has launched a new campaign called Milk Your Moments, encouraging people to buy more cows’ milk products.
The campaign itself is costing £1 million, but half of that is your taxpayer money, a hand out from the UK government in the form of a Defra grant and far more than the AHDB, the industry’s own levy body, is contributing.
During a crisis where charities are struggling to provide food to the most vulnerable people, our taxes are being spent on social media and TV ads shoring up an industry that was failing long before COVID-19.
Is the answer really more subsidies and hand-outs, or is there a better way for farmers and taxpayers?
Less than special moments
Part of the Milk Your Moments campaign is centred around people sharing the moments in their life where they drink cows’ milk.
We all know our special moments aren't defined by the flavour of our tea. It's the human connection of spending time with loved ones that's special - not the cows’ milk in the cup.
Which is why we have decided at Surge to encourage anyone who drinks plant-based milks to instead share your plant-based milk moment online, using the hashtag #MilkYourMoments.
Human connection doesn’t mean drinking to the consequences of animal exploitation.
Demand support for farmers
Things are changing. We believe dairy farmers can be a part of that change too - because we need farmers and farming.
Therefore, at Surge we are teaming up with Refarm’d, an organisation that helps dairy farmers transition to plant-based milk production to keep their livelihoods in agriculture, and Farmers For Stock-Free Farming, which offers resources and support to farmers so they can shift.
We are asking farmers to download the information pack on our website that outlines all the reasons for them to make the change and includes information from farmers who have already made the change.
Sign our petition asking the government to provide real alternatives for farmers.
OUR CAMPAIGN VIDEO
TIMES ARE CHANGING
“23% of Britons are now using plant-based milk alternatives, coupled with a 6% decrease in dairy consumption in the 16 - 24 year old age category, where only 73% now drink cows’ milk.”
“Overall, there has been a 50% reduction in liquid milk consumption per capita in the UK in the past 50 years.”
INFORMATION PACK FOR FARMERS
Farmers, why worry about your future?
As a farmer you’re faced with more challenges everyday. From over-production and under-consumption, to supermarkets driving down prices.
Why struggle on, when there are other options available to you that are more sustainable and viable?
What options might farmers such as yourself have to transition - organic crops, permaculture, alternative land use?
Are there organisations that can help you shift, and what companies are looking to work with you and other farmers?
What do the numbers say? What financial support is there for you to shift in terms of funding and grants?
Which farms have successfully shifted or are in the process of transitioning?
Who are the MPs and government officials in support of these changes?
Proudly, realistically, supporting British farming.
SIGN OUR PETITION TO DEMAND A FUTURE FOR FARMERS
We need your help!
The best way to help animal farmers move over to plant-based agriculture or alternative land use is if the government helps farmers cover the costs. Taxpayers already give farmers billions in subsidies every year to prop up a failing industry - why not put your tax money to good use and really invest in our futures?
So please add your name to the petition to demand a reform of how our money is spent, and to help farmers either transition to plant-based agriculture, diversify to produce more crops for human consumption, or re-wild/reforest their land instead as part of ‘carbon farming’ initiatives that will help us meet our climate justice commitments.
An open letter to the UK Government
We also have an open letter addressed to George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, signed by scientists, academics, doctors and other leading experts, calling on the government to consider the petition and to implement these changes to protect animals, the environment, farmers’ livelihoods and wider society.
The letter includes 21 references to research, reports and articles, all of which support the very obvious conclusion that the way the government currently supports British farming is completely unsustainable.
SHARE A REAL MILK MOMENT
Share a plant-based milk moment with a friend, special someone, family or even just on your own.
Take a picture and post it to your social media.
Tag three friends who you think should make the switch.
Tell them why in your post description.
Don’t forget to use the #MilkYourMoments hashtag and tag @surgeactivism.
