DAIRY farmers promoting Isle of Wight milk will bring their cows to Cowes next week.
The herd will be guests of honour at an event at Cowes Co-op on Tuesday (6) to launch the supermarket's new line of local milk.
Chairman of Isle of Wight Dairy Farmers Justin Birch said: "We’ve been talking to supermarkets since our campaign to keep Isle of Wight milk on the Island was launched in August this year.
"The Southern Co-operative has got behind us and been enthusiastic to support our aim and I know there is plenty of public support. All 18 dairy farmers on the Island are behind our campaign and potentially Isle of Wight dairy farmers could supply 20 million litres of milk a year to meet demand."
Phil Ponsonby, Southern Cooperative’s chief operating officer for food retail, said: "The Southern Co-operative stocks over 1,000 locally produced lines across eight counties in southern England as part of the local flavours range.
"Our reputation as a Co-operative is built upon the basis that we care about and work closely with the community and with local producers who supply our stores.
"The Isle of Wight is a rich source of locally produced food, and provides a popular range in our stores with both residents and visitors to the Island. Introducing Isle of Wight milk is part of our ongoing support for local businesses and the rural economy in which we operate."
MP Andrew Turner, who has supported the campaign, said: "The plight of dairy farmers in the UK is of great concern but even more so on the Isle of Wight due to higher transport costs.
"I hope residents and visitors alike will choose this new line of milk to support Island cows, Island farmers and the Island's economy, as well as helping to preserve our unique and beautiful landscape."
Isle of Wight milk will be launched in Co-op stores in Cowes and Freshwater — costing 40p per pint, 76p for two pints and £1.34 for four pints — then potentially rolled out to other Island stores.
The herd will be in the car park at the back of the store and fresh Isle of Wight milk will be available for tasting at the event.