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Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about organic milk and dairy products. If you have any further questions, please email OMSCo on gill@omsco.co.uk
How is organic milk better for the environment?
Each typical family, drinking two pints a day, that switches to organic milk will turn 1200 square metres of countryside organic. This will have profound effects on wildlife and the environment.
Organic farms do not use artificial chemical pesticides, so farmland birds, butterflies and other animals are able to flourish. Organic farmers have also adopted a range of other practices which benefit wildlife. For example, organic dairy farms only cut hedges during the winter months which allows them to flower, providing food and cover for insects, birds and small mammals such as dormice.
Organic farming is also much better for the soil. The farmers use an age old system which includes crop rotation and leaving fields fallow to rest and recover. Crops are under-planted by beneficial plants like clover which put essential nutrients such as nitrates back into the soil.
In contrast, non-organic farmers intensively farm a limited number of crops which means that the soil has no chance to recover and is quickly stripped of nutrients. To replace these nutrients non-organic farmers rely on artificial chemical fertilisers. Over time, the soil is depleted of vital organic materials and nutrients and can take years to recover.
What wildlife would you find on an organic farm that you wouldn't find on a non-organic farm?
Recent years have seen a dramatic decline in farmland wildlife from birds to flowers. Almost half of the 44 species of butterflies breeding in lowland grassland are in decline and farmland birds have declined by 30% since 1970. This decline has been partly attributed to farming intensification including the use of pesticides.
On organic farms where pesticides are not used there are far more farmland birds such as grey partridges, lapwings and skylarks, as well as butterflies and other farmland species.
Following a study by English Nature and the RSPB, Peter Melchett, the Soil Association's Policy Director said: "The scientific case for the wildlife benefits of organic farming is now settled and beyond doubt."
For more information visit Why Organic
How is organic farming beneficial to our drinking water?
Non-organic farming relies on the use of synthetic nitrates to enhance the nitrate content of the soil. About 20% of these nitrates are washed away with rainwater and become part of the country's watercourses. Excessive nitrates over-stimulate the growth of algae and poison the water. It has been estimated that UK water companies spend around £16 million a year to ensure that nitrogen in our drinking water is within acceptable levels.
By using farmyard manure and planting of clover to produce nitrates, organic farmers ensure that nitrates are released slowly, naturally and not in excess.
Do many cafes and restaurants use organic dairy products?
Organic food is becoming more of a frequent feature on high quality menus and some restaurants are now completely organic.
Organic milk is now available at all branches of McDonalds and Pret a Manger. If your local coffe shop doesn't use it, then why not ask them?
Is non-organic milk bad for you?
Organic farmers do not want to scare people or stop people from drinking milk. They simply want to make it clear what makes organic milk different, and want consumers to make up their own minds. The fact is that organic milk is more pure and more naturally-produced, and there are consumers who want to be able to choose this sort of product for themselves and their families.
Are growth hormones given to dairy cows?
Growth hormones are banned on all dairy farms in the UK, not just organic farms. Some scientists believe that these growth hormones can be passed through milk, causing children to mature faster.
Is organic dairy farming more energy efficient than non-organic dairy farming?
According to a Defra-funded study, organic dairy farming is 38% more energy efficient than non-organic.
Is organic milk more nutritious than non-organic milk?
Organic milk has all the benefits of non-organic milk and is a good source of calcium. Research studies have now established that it also provides additional benefits as it is naturally higher in certain vital nutrients than non-organic milk.
These nutritional differences are linked to the natural diet that the organic cows are fed which has to be high (min 60%) in forage such as fresh grass, silage and clover.
Recent studies have shown that organic milk is naturally higher in Omega 3 Alpha Linolenic fatty Acid (ALA) than non-organic milk. ALA is linked to maintaining heart health. A study published by the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) showed that organic milk naturally contains much more Omega 3 fatty acid (ALA) than non-organic milk. The research carried out by IGER has shown that milk from cows fed a red clover rich diet contained at least 64% more Omega-3 fatty acids than milk from cows fed on grass and concentrates. Organic dairy farmers feed much higher levels of clover because it is used as an alternative to synthetic chemical fertilisers to ensure lush pastures.
Further research carried out at the University of Aberdeen in 2004 found yet higher levels of Omega 3 (ALA) in organic milk. The research, which compared the Omega 3 content of organic and non-organic milk showed that organic milk can contain up to 71% more Omega 3 than non-organic milk and has a better ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 than non-organic milk. This is welcome news as most people in the UK are deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart, along with other benefits. Drinking just half a pint of organic milk as part of a healthy balanced diet provides a useful additional source of Omega 3.
The most recent piece of peer reviewed research, carried out at the University of Liverpool, compared organic and non-organically produced milk as part of a large scale field study carried out over three years on commercial farms5. Unlike previous studies, this study also measured seasonal variation and management practices. Samples were collected monthly and analysed for fatty acid content, Vitamin A and E and Beta-carotene. Farm and management factors were also recorded to identify practices that may be associated with differences in specific compounds in the milk. The study found that, despite key seasonal farm management and cow nutrition factors that affect fatty acid content, organic milk was higher in poly-unsaturated fatty acid, particularly Omega 3, than non-organic milk throughout the production year.
All milk contains Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which - based on research in mice - is believed to boost immune function and potentially reduce the growth of cancer tumours. There is growing interest in the wider beneficial effects of CLA levels which are believed to be higher in organic meat and milk. This is thought to be linked to the organic cow’s more natural diet which contains high levels of grass, hay or silage rather than concentrates.
Do organic dairy farmers treat their cows with fertility hormones?
On organic dairy farms the use of fertility hormones is rare. The cows can only be treated in this way on an individual, therapeutic basis, and the use of this form of treatment as a management aid is banned.
For more information visit Why Organic
Are calves treated differently on organic farms?
Organic calves have to be kept in pens where they can interact with other calves and groom each other. On non-organic farms calves can be kept in separate pens, which is unnatural for them and believed to cause stress to the rest of the herd.
Organic calves are usually reared on natural cow’s milk - their mother’s or a nurse cow’s. On non-organic farms calves can be quickly separated from their mothers and fed re-constituted milk.
After weaning, the calves are kept together in social groups. Herd animals need social contact and find it very distressing to be alone.
The female calves (heifers) will usually be kept and added to the dairy herd. Only one bull can run with a herd of cows, however, so some of the male calves may be raised for organic beef. This means they will mostly be out at grass and have a good quality of life, even if it is quite short - they are usually slaughtered at around 20 months. They are subject to strict regulations which govern how they are transported and sold.
OMSCo are supporting an initiative to promote organic veal – for more information visit www.goodveal.com
Does organic milk contain higher levels of Vitamin E?
Research has established that organic milk contains higher levels of Vitamin E, Vitamin A and antioxidants. The study was carried out by Jacob Holm, a senior biochemist at the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, and was carried out as part of the Europe-wide Quality Low Input Food (QLIF) research programme in conjunction with the University of Newcastle.
Organically reared cows, which eat high levels of fresh grass, clover pasture and grass clover silage, produced milk which is on average 50% higher in Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), 75% higher in beta carotene (which our bodies convert to Vitamin A) and two to three times higher in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthine than non-organic milk.
What happens when an organic cow becomes ill and needs treatment?
Many organic farmers use homeopathy as a preventative treatment and successfully reduce the risk of their animals becoming ill. This contrasts with a non-organic system where antibiotics are often used routinely to prevent illness. The organic system prohibits this practice. Should an animal fall ill on an organic farm, the farmer is permitted to use antibiotics for the treatment of that animal. However, the cow is not milked with the rest of the herd for the duration of any antibiotic treatment and the 'withdrawal period (ie, the time that the milk is not allowed to be sold for human consumption) is at least double that recommended for non-organic milk.
For more information visit Why Organic
What is different about organic milk?
Many non-organic dairy farms concentrate on high production rather than quality. British organic cows are not fed GM feed, are only given antibiotics when they are actually ill and do not graze on pastures sprayed with artificial chemical pesticides. As a result, there are many benefits to the cows, the environment and human health.
For more details, visit Why Organic
Does organic milk taste different?
Some people say they can taste a slight difference but by-and-large there is no significant difference in the taste of liquid milk. Organic cheese however can have a different, more creamy taste.
Why not see for yourself, check out our What to Buy section.
Is organic milk pasteurised?
Yes, organic milk is treated in exactly the same way as ordinary milk. It is pasteurised, and usually homogenised. If you prefer it, then both Manor Farm and Duchy produce unhomogenised milk.
For more information visit What to Buy
Why does organic milk cost more?
Organic milk costs more than non-organic because it costs the farmer more to produce. For example, non-GM cattle feed is more expensive, fewer cows can be farmed per hectare of organic land, and the volume of milk each organic cow produces is of a lower, more natural level. This means that the farmer has to charge more for the milk in order to maintain his organic practices.
Do organic dairy farmers get paid more money than non-organic farmers?
Organic dairy farmers do receive more money for their milk but this compensates them for the higher cost of organic production.
Is there any way to differentiate between British and imported organic dairy produce?
Most products should state their country of origin on the packaging. If you are not sure, ask the retailer, or look out for the OMSCo logo on dairy products.
For more information on products made with OMSCo milk visit What to Buy
How long has OMSCo been in operation?
OMSCo was formed in 1994 by a group of five like-minded farming operations in the West of England, including the Prince of Wales' Duchy of Cornwall Home Farm in Tetbury. OMSCo now has around 300 members situated throughout the British Isles and is the largest and longest established supplier of organic milk in the UK.
Find out more about How OMSCo Began
Where can I buy organic milk and dairy products?
Most major supermarkets stock organic milk and dairy products - Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose, Safeway and ASDA to name a few. Many independent retailers stock organic dairy products too.
For more information visit What to Buy
Why is organic milk better for child health than non-organic milk?
We believe that organic milk is it is particularly important for child health. Some experts believe that children may be particularly susceptible to pesticide residues - they have a higher intake of food per unit of body weight than adults, have immature organ systems and may have limited ability to detoxify these substances.
According to the Food Standards Association (FSA) "Organic food contains fewer residues of pesticides used in conventional agriculture, so buying organic is one way to reduce the chances that your food contains these pesticides"
Can organic milk prevent my child from developing an allergy?
The British Society for Allergy, Environmental and Nutritional Medicine believes there is good evidence linking the rise in incidents of allergies with a general over exposure to chemicals including pesticides, because they may dirupt our immune systems.
That’s why organic standards also apply to any products made with organic milk such as yoghurts, cheese or ready meals. Only 30 additives are permitted in organic food, compared with 7,000 permitted in non organic food.
How can organic milk increase my fertility?
The rise in human fertility problems has been linked to pesticides. Five out of the 12 most commonly found pesticide residues are suspected to be hormone disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can have a negative effect on fertility.
Can I get organic milk delivered?
Yes, many delivery services offer organic milk. Call your local delivery service to find out if it is available in your area.
Is organic milk always full fat?
No. You have the option of buying full fat, semi-skimmed or skimmed organic milk, just like non-organic milk.
How long does it take for a farm to convert to organic production?
It takes around two years for a dairy farm to convert to organic production - and a lot of hard work! Until a farm is fully converted, the milk cannot be sold as organic.
Is organic milk safe for babies?
Cow's milk - whether organic or non-organic - should never be given to babies under one year old. However, once your baby is ready for cow's milk we would argue that organic is safer and healthier than non-organic milk. There is a wide range of organic baby food available, which we believe is much better for children's health.
Does non-organic milk last longer than organic milk?
No. Both non-organic and organic milk should stay fresh for the same length of time. Always keep milk refrigerated and check the ‘best before’ date before purchasing it.
What does your classification of 'organic' really mean?
To call a product organic it has to have been produced in a specific way according to a number of rules and regulations which have been designed to ensure the best possible practice for human health, animal welfare and the environment. Principally these rules prohibit organic farmers from the use of artificial pesticides and fertilisers, GM cattle feed and the routine use of antibiotics.
For more information visit Organic Standards
How do I know the classification 'organic' is really true?
The Advisory Committee on Organic Standards (ACOS) is the UK government authority responsible for the approval and supervision of organic certification bodies such as the Soil Association and Organic Farmers & Growers. There are ten such bodies in the UK.
Any food product sold in the EU that is described as organic must be labelled according to EU regulations.
Fore more information visit Organic Standards
How big is the organic dairy industry in the UK?
The organic dairy industry in the UK is still relatively small. For example, organic yoghurt, which is the most developed segment of the organic dairy market, accounts for around seven per cent of the ordinary yoghurt market share. - in some supermarkets, over 10% of the milk sold is now organic.
Is organic milk better for you?
We believe organic milk is healthier for you as it is naturally higher in omega 3 fatty acid (ALA) and reduces your exposure to pesticide residues.
All pesticides are tested and approved with advice provided by the government's Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Safety limits are set based on animal studies, although the extent to which these adequately protect humans (particularly vulnerable groups such as children) has been questioned.
Surprisingly, almost no research has been carried out on how the chemicals react when combined. This is known as the ‘cocktail effect’ - and it has been estimated that in the West, our bodies contain traces of at least 300-500 potentially harmful chemicals absorbed from our food and other environmental sources.
Dr Vyvyan Howard is a pathologist based at the Bioimaging Research Group Centre for Molecular Biosciences at the University of Ulster, in Coleraine. He specialises in toxicology and the cocktail effect of pesticides and food additives on the human body. He is a strong supporter of organics, in particular, organic milk.
He believes that we should be concerned about the increase in dangerous chemicals in our body since the WW2 when farming methods started to change and became more intensive.
“We have traces of 300-500 potentially harmful chemicals in our bodies which have only been around for the last 50 years and which we have ingested through our foods.”
“At present official safety limits are based on studies of agro-chemicals acting alone. There are no toxicological tests of chemical combinations, despite the fact that studies have suggested that their combined impact, or cocktail effect, can make their impact much more powerful. Eating organically grown food is an efficient way for people to avoid these chemicals.”
What are CLAs?
All milk contains Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which - based on research in mice - is believed to boost immune function and potentially reduce the growth of cancer tumours.
Does organic milk contain A1 beta-casein proteins?
A1 beta-casein protein occurs naturally in organic cows milk, as it does in non-organic milk.
Are the cattle treated any differently on an organic farm?
High standards of animal welfare are essential to organic farming. In all cases, animals provided with comfortable, clean shelter and plenty of space, will be less stressed, more content and able to behave instinctively.
Organic animals are not fed and managed in ways that attempt to push them into production levels beyond their natural capacity. Organic farmers believe that the stress imposed on animals by unnatural and intensive regimes such as feeding high levels of inappropriate protein to stimulate rapid growth or milk production, intensive housing or the routine use of antibiotics and other drugs can all cause health problems.
For more information visit Why Organic
How long established is organic dairy farming? Is it just a gimmick?
Believe it or not, organic farming has been in practice for thousands and thousands of years. It is only since the Second World War that farmers began using artificial pesticides, to rapidly increase food production.
Organic farmers are simply using traditional methods perfected over generations to produce food of a higher quality.
For more information visit The History of Organic Farming
OMSCo was formed in 1994 when five like-minded
organic dairy farmers joined forces to sell their organic milk. Now with around 500 members, OMSCo is the largest and longest established UK organic milk supplier.