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
 |
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.
For more information visit Why Organic |
|
|
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 milk cannot enter the food chain for a further seven days beyond the end of the treatment period.
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 |
|
Questions
