A new “woke” research project funded by the government is set to investigate the historical and political connections between milk consumption and colonialism. The project, led by academics from various institutions, aims to explore the ways in which the colonial legacy has shaped attitudes and practices surrounding milk consumption.

The research will delve into the colonial history of milk production and its impact on indigenous populations and their traditional food systems. It will examine how the introduction of dairy farming by colonial powers disrupted local food practices and the implications this had on cultural and economic structures.

One of the key areas of focus will be the role of milk in the colonial project of "civilizing" indigenous populations. The study will explore how the promotion of milk consumption was used as a tool of cultural assimilation and how it contributed to the marginalization of indigenous food traditions.

The research team will also investigate the environmental consequences of milk production during the colonial era. They will examine the impact of large-scale dairy farming on land use, water resources, and biodiversity, and how these effects continue to be felt in the present day.

The project has received funding from the government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and is part of a wider initiative to support research into the colonial legacies that continue to shape contemporary society.

Critics of the project argue that it is a waste of taxpayer money and that the focus on milk is trivial compared to other pressing issues related to colonialism. However, supporters of the research argue that understanding the historical context of milk consumption is crucial for addressing the ongoing impacts of colonialism on food systems and cultural practices.

The findings of the study are expected to shed light on the complex ways in which colonialism has influenced our relationship with food and the environment. The research team hopes that the project will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the colonial legacy and inform future policies aimed at decolonizing food systems and promoting sustainable agriculture.