The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is accelerating the implementation of the "School Milk" project in 2026 to provide children with widespread access to quality milk.
Mr. Winaroj Subsongsoek, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, revealed after chairing the first meeting of the Food and Milk Committee for Children and Youth in 2026 at Meeting Room 135 of the Ministry, attended by representatives from related agencies, that the meeting acknowledged the Cabinet resolution from 20 January 2026 approving the restructuring of the project's management. The primary responsibility will shift from the Department of Cooperative Promotion to the Department of Livestock Development, due to the latter's readiness in personnel and field-level organizational structure, enabling oversight from production to distribution.
This change does not affect the project's fundamental principles but strengthens dairy farmers' capacity to systematically manage surplus raw milk, alongside developing the cooperative sector for sustainable competitiveness.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the draft announcement of the Food and Milk Committee for Children and Youth regarding the criteria and procedures for implementing the School Milk Supplement Program for the 2026 academic year. This will serve as the management framework, covering product standards, operator selection, sales area allocation, and budget management, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and prioritizing the benefits of students. Feedback from stakeholders was also solicited to refine the announcement before official issuance.
Additionally, the meeting discussed solutions for the stockpile of UHT boxed milk caused by excess raw milk production. The Dairy Cooperative Federation of Thailand proposed relaxing certain regulations to help rotate stock and alleviate farmers' difficulties, alongside exploring ways to process surplus milk into other products. The Department of Cooperative Promotion was tasked with conducting a nationwide milk inventory within 15 days to inform joint management strategies, considering market mechanisms, quality standards, consumer safety, and possible enhanced inspection measures if shelf-life conditions are adjusted.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized that all agencies must collaboratively and systematically advance the School Milk Supplement Program, including product quality control, distribution, budget management, and support for dairy farmers. He urged proactive public communication to foster correct understanding of milk's nutritional value, alongside raising regulatory standards to build public confidence. The program is intended as a key mechanism to improve the health of children and youth and ensure the long-term livelihood security of Thai dairy farmers.