GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council has clarified its ‘Swaps in Seconds’ campaign, following concerns from local farmers.

The campaign encourages residents to take small actions to combat climate change, such as replacing cow's milk with almond or oat milk. However, local farmers expressed their frustration with the campaign, and raised concerns about the impact on the local dairy industry.

The council said to ensure there is no confusion, it removed reference to milk alternatives associated with the campaign.

A Gloucestershire County Council spokesperson said: “Gloucestershire has an amazing farming community who go beyond the call of duty to produce local milk that people across the county enjoy. What we've published today is a series of swap suggestions for people to consider, from food to transport to clothing.

“We didn’t mean to cause offence or to suggest people shouldn't support their local farmer. We encourage everyone to go out and support their local farmers, however people buy their milk and other local food.”

The council said it is committed to tackling climate change and to create a net zero county by 2045. It also wants to reduce emissions by 80% before 2030.

More information about the campaign can be found on the Gloucestershire County Council website.