Ireland Launches ‘Legen-Dairy’ Campaign to Combat Dairy Myths
Source: DairyNews.today
Agri Aware and the National Dairy Council (NDC) have joined forces to launch the “Legen-Dairy” campaign, a targeted effort to dispel widespread misconceptions about dairy consumption and the Irish dairy industry.
Focus on Young Adults
The campaign is aimed at young adults aged 17-24, with a particular emphasis on third-level students. Organizers are encouraging participation in a survey designed to gauge perceptions of dairy among this demographic, whose attitudes are often shaped by social media and conflicting information.
Participants in the survey, which is open until December 20, will have the chance to win a ski trip for two in early 2024.
Addressing Dairy Misconceptions
At the campaign’s launch on December 2 at University College Dublin, Marcus O’Halloran, Executive Director of Agri Aware, underscored the initiative’s significance.
“This campaign is crucial for understanding young people’s knowledge and attitudes toward Irish dairy,” O’Halloran said. “We aim to educate this age group about dairy’s role in their health, the economy, and the environment.”
Among the myths the campaign aims to challenge are:
Nutritional concerns: Claims that dairy is fattening or less nutritious than non-dairy alternatives.
Health misconceptions: Beliefs that cutting out dairy reduces cancer risk or benefits skin conditions like eczema and acne.
Environmental and ethical issues: Perceptions that Irish dairy farming practices harm the environment or compromise animal welfare.
Product integrity: Myths that milk contains antibiotics or artificial hormones.
Educating Through Facts
Mark Keller of the NDC highlighted the challenge young people face in navigating misinformation.
“Young adults are inundated with conflicting messages about diet and wellness,” Keller said. “We aim to cut through the noise with meaningful facts about dairy’s role in a balanced diet, its health benefits, and its contribution to local economies.”
Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts
Beyond health, the campaign emphasizes dairy’s broader significance, including its economic contributions and efforts to align with environmental goals. The organizers aim to boost “dairy literacy” and ensure young consumers are equipped with evidence-based information to make informed choices.
What’s Next?
The survey results will shape future outreach efforts, providing insight into how young adults perceive dairy and what influences their decisions. The Legen-Dairy campaign marks a proactive step in addressing misconceptions while promoting the sustainable and socio-economic benefits of Ireland’s dairy sector.
The campaign is aimed at young adults aged 17-24, with a particular emphasis on third-level students. Organizers are encouraging participation in a survey designed to gauge perceptions of dairy among this demographic, whose attitudes are often shaped by social media and conflicting information.
Participants in the survey, which is open until December 20, will have the chance to win a ski trip for two in early 2024.
Addressing Dairy Misconceptions
At the campaign’s launch on December 2 at University College Dublin, Marcus O’Halloran, Executive Director of Agri Aware, underscored the initiative’s significance.
“This campaign is crucial for understanding young people’s knowledge and attitudes toward Irish dairy,” O’Halloran said. “We aim to educate this age group about dairy’s role in their health, the economy, and the environment.”
Among the myths the campaign aims to challenge are:
Nutritional concerns: Claims that dairy is fattening or less nutritious than non-dairy alternatives.
Health misconceptions: Beliefs that cutting out dairy reduces cancer risk or benefits skin conditions like eczema and acne.
Environmental and ethical issues: Perceptions that Irish dairy farming practices harm the environment or compromise animal welfare.
Product integrity: Myths that milk contains antibiotics or artificial hormones.
Educating Through Facts
Mark Keller of the NDC highlighted the challenge young people face in navigating misinformation.
“Young adults are inundated with conflicting messages about diet and wellness,” Keller said. “We aim to cut through the noise with meaningful facts about dairy’s role in a balanced diet, its health benefits, and its contribution to local economies.”
Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts
Beyond health, the campaign emphasizes dairy’s broader significance, including its economic contributions and efforts to align with environmental goals. The organizers aim to boost “dairy literacy” and ensure young consumers are equipped with evidence-based information to make informed choices.
What’s Next?
The survey results will shape future outreach efforts, providing insight into how young adults perceive dairy and what influences their decisions. The Legen-Dairy campaign marks a proactive step in addressing misconceptions while promoting the sustainable and socio-economic benefits of Ireland’s dairy sector.
