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Top scientists urge the Government's food watchdog to recognise that organic milk is more nutritious.
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"I eat organic because I care about the health of my family and the environment. I'd encourage anyone who hasn't yet tried organic food and organic milk to give it a go. I feel happy that I can feed my family food that avoids unnecessary pesticides and harmful food additives."
Elle Mcpherson, supermodel
A glass of goodness
More and more people are buying organic milk in the UK. Not only do many people think that organic milk and dairy products taste better, but producing milk organically is also
better for the environment, the
welfare of cows and our own health.
According to the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative (OMSCo), sales of organic milk are growing by 30% each year. In fact, more people are buying organic milk, cheese, yoghurt and other dairy products than ever before. This rising consumer demand has partly been driven by the publication of scientific research highlighting the nutritional benefits of organic milk.
Organic cows graze on pastures which have not been treated with artificial pesticides and fertilisers and organic farming has been proven to be better for wildlife and the environment. Organic farmers use natural processes to build a healthy soil, rear healthy animals and to produce high quality food. Organic cows are also fed on a more natural diet which is better for them - and also for you.
1. Glass of goodness - Organic milk is naturally higher in Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) and certain other antioxidants than non-organic milk.
2. Avoid the nasties - Organic milk comes from cows that graze on pastures which are not sprayed with synthetic chemical pesticides. Unlike many non-organic cows, they are never given antibiotics unless they are actually ill.
3. No GM - Unlike most non-organic cows, organic cows are not allowed to be given GM cattle feed.
4. Care for animals - Organic milk is produced in a way which we believe is kind to animals – happy, comfortable and contented cows are the aim of all organic farmers.
5. Good for wildlife and the environment - Organic milk is produced using farming methods which support more farmland wildlife.
Organic milk - what the scientists say
Top scientists are urging the Government's food watchdog to recognise that organic milk is more nutritious. Fourteen top scientists have written to the Government's food watchdog, the Food Standards Agency, asking them to recognise the mounting body of evidence that organic milk is more nutritious than non-organic milk. Their letter was sparked by new research from the University of Liverpool showing that organic milk contains 68% more omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Organic milk has all the nutritional goodness of non-organic milk but, due to the cows' more natural diet, it also has some additional health benefits. Several scientific studies have shown that organic milk is naturally higher in omega-3 essential fatty acids, as well as vitamin E and the antioxidant beta-carotene which the body converts into vitamin A.
These nutritional benefits can be explained by the more natural diets of organic cows. Organic cows eat a much more natural diet mostly consisting of fresh grass and clover. In comparison, non-organic dairy farmers are allowed to use more grain-based (concentrate) feed containing cereals, maize and protein supplements. These diets increase milk yields, but also adversely effect the nutritional composition of non-organic milk as well as the health of cows. This link between healthy soil, healthy animals and healthy people lies at the heart of organic farming.
» read a summary of the evidence on organic milk
Welfare-friendly organic veal
Eastbrook Organic Farm has pioneered a system for producing organic rose veal. Their dairy calves are reared for meat in a system that couldn't be more different than the dimly lit crowded pens that produce white veal in many European countries. Male dairy calves cannot produce milk and many are not considered suitable breeds for beef. Instead, many non-organic dairy calves are exported long distances to Europe where they are reared in intensive veal systems banned in the UK. High welfare organic veal offers an alternative.
» read more
Where to buy organic milk
There are a number of options:
- You can contact the Organic Milk Supplier Co-operative (OMSCo) on 01934 511115 or visit the OMSCo website
- Ask your current milkman to deliver organic milk
- Milk tokens can also be exchanged for organic milk but you may be asked to pay the difference
Links
"The health of man, beast, plant and soil is one indivisible whole; the health of the soil depends on maintaining its biological balance and, starting with a truly fertile soil, the crops grown on it, the livestock fed on those crops and the humans fed on both have a standard of health and power of resisting disease and infection greatly in advance of anything ordinarily found in this country."
Lady Eve Balfour, The Living Soil, 1943