A Mauchline farmer has slammed a recent viral ‘milk pour’ protest by Animal Rebellion – instead encouraging a net-zero approach to the dairy industry.

Farmer Bryce Cunningham of Mossgiel Organic Farm was invited to Dundee on Saturday October 15 to discuss food sustainability on the WWF led panel at the Green Party Conference while the protest took place in Edinburgh.

After they poured milk on the floor of a Waitrose shop, Bryce criticised the group’s actions and their overall message that the dairy industry is wholly “unjust”.

Bryce said: “Collaborating with policy makers is really important – we know that our MPs and MSPs want to do their part despite what the internet may say, and we want to work with them on that journey to net zero, share knowledge and discuss the challenges.

“Animal Rebellion however show few signs of engaging in a collaborative way – they do not consider the biodiversity benefits grazing animals can have, the community benefits of farming and don’t acknowledge the damage that they themselves are causing the very people who we all must support through a cost-of-living crisis.”

Following the protests, Mossgiel farm responded with a Facebook post explaining their “net zero vision” and criticising the protest as one that “wastes food, alienates consumers and causes grief for cleaners, team members and local police”.

The post has gained 274 reactions at the time of writing with most commenters agreeing with the farm’s words.

Farmer Bryce continued: “In the future, this time will be seen as a turning point for all industries in the history of our planet; farming, like every industry, must and is evolving.

“At Mossgiel, we have a drive to be Net Zero and work with nature to provide nutritious, unique and awesome tasting organic dairy that’s fair for all.”

Several similar protests were carried out by the activist group across the UK in cities such as London, Manchester, and Norwich.

Members of the group aim to spread awareness of the harmful environmental effects of the production of animal by-products and In a TikTok video, one activist explained how the ‘milk pour’ protests promote group’s goal of achieving a “plant-based future.”

They said: “Plant based milks are cheaper than dairy milks – rewilding farmland across the world will benefit farmers, people, cows, and the planet.

Another added: “We’re asking the government to support farming and fishing communities with a just transition to a plant-based food system.”