Local dairy fears Ayrshire jobs at risk amid claims multinational firm 'undercuts' school milk contract
Jobs in East Ayrshire could be at risk after a local dairy lost a council school milk contract.
Mossgiel Organic Dairy in Mauchline, which has supplied classrooms across East Ayrshire with sustainable, local milk for the last four years, has lost out on an extension to its deal.
The firm's boss claims it have been "undercut" by a multinational dairy giant.
Mossgiel chief Bryce Cunningham says his company has helped cut "millions" of single-use plastics from the school day as well as eliminating diesel emissions within school grounds through electric vehicles.
The Organic Dairy, based at the historic Mossgiel Farm where Robert Burns once worked, is run by Bryce and is well known for its small-scale and eco-friendly approach to farming.
In a post on social media, the team at Mossgiel said they were "gutted" to lose the contract to the "biggest juggernaut of them all" and criticised East Ayrshire Council for "being over-powered by a closed mindset" after being "brave" in awarding them the contract four years ago.
When the last contract was announced in 2021, Cllr Claire Leitch said East Ayrshire Council was "thrilled" to be working with Mossgiel Farm.
She also praised Bryce and his company for their "very impressive" farming methods and commitment to sustainability and added: "His enterprise and passion sit very well with our Clean Green Climate Change Strategy which seeks to use local suppliers where possible, cut food miles, minimise carbon emissions and use of non-recyclable plastic."
Mossgiel Organic Dairy said: "Gutted. Big dairy won, this time.
"For the past four years, East Ayrshire's schools have been a UK leader in sustainable food supply and together, along with other local suppliers, we've achieved things that most councils only talk about.
"Millions of single-use plastics removed from the waste stream through our refill vending machines.
"New local jobs created right here in Ayrshire.
"Zero diesel fumes in school playgrounds, with every delivery made in electric vehicles.
"A food revolution, with eggs, milk, meat and veg all from local businesses, made by local people, for local people.
"Over 50 in-school education events bringing farming and food production into the classroom.
"But this week, everything changed.
"We were proud to work alongside the council to make this happen, proving that milk can be local, sustainable and free from single-use plastic."
Mr Cunningham today claimed a "juggernaut" rival had undercut his bid and won the tender.
He added: "Of course, money is money and council budgets are mega tight just now; especially East Ayrshire who have just announced free school meals for all pupils in primary.
"There is zero argument there - or is there?"
He claims the outside contractor "may not be able to deliver the milk they promise, drive unemployment in East Ayrshire and bring more diesel fumes to our kid's playgrounds - and that diesel's not the strongest stench in this deal."
"Yeah, we're probably a bit bitter about it all - we, and others, held East Ayrshire's approach in such incredibly high regard," he said.
"But when you fight for what's right then watch years of work done by amazing, passionate people once brave enough to say no to the norms, ultimately being over-powered by a closed mindset - it kinda grates.
"We learned a lot in our four-year partnership with our local council, so in our next post, we'll share the impact this decision has made, and the real-world costs they have not considered."
When approached by Ayrshire Live, a spokesperson for East Ayrshire Council confirmed Mossgiel had been kicked off the contract but insisted no deal had yet been signed with a rival competitor.
They said: "East Ayrshire Council can confirm that Mossgiel Milk has been formally advised that their bid to remain on the council's Fresh and Organic Food Framework was unsuccessful.
"The council is in the process of concluding a live tender process that involves a range of suppliers and is therefore legally not in a position to provide any further information at this time on the outcome of the tender.
"The council can confirm, however, that Mossgiel Milk, as with all other unsuccessful bidders, has the opportunity to raise a formal challenge to the tender process, where there are legitimate concerns.
"The council remains committed to the ethos of providing the best quality school meals and has further committed to free and subsidised meals across East Ayrshire.
"We will continue the use of higher welfare, fresh ingredients and this remains at the heart of our healthy school meals, retaining the Food for Life Gold Award status since 2008.
"The tender was judged on a '50% price 50% quality' basis so please be assured that when children and young people return to school next week, they will still be enjoying fresh organic milk, free range eggs, quality fresh meat, MCS certified fish, and fresh fruit and veg."
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