President Arnold Rüütel today also attended the Rye Day in Tartu. In his welcoming address, the Head of State highlighted the time-honoured respect of the Estonians for the bread grain, the connections of rye with our national symbols, environmental care and a healthy diet. "A half-pound of rye bread a day helps to provide the organism with necessary vitamins, minerals and fibres. Food made of rye flour, because of its usefulness, should belong to the daily diet of children. Therefore, the idea that at least the pupils of primary schools every day at school be given free of charge, in addition to a glass of milk, a slice of bread as well, is worth supporting," the President said.
The Rye Day was organized by the Estonian Rye Society, the Estonian Agricultural University, the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, and the Jõgeva Institute for Plant Breeding.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 5, 2002
