The EU stands out against the rest of the world due to its organic farms, using numerous rules and regulations to ensure the best possible quality and efficiency of milk and its products. The organic farm guarantees attention to the smallest details and the most hygienic conditions of breeding. The pandemic that has paralysed the whole world illustrates the tremendous importance of this aspect. Let us learn from our mistakes and leave the world in good condition for future generations. So, what does the organic breeding of dairy cows, goats and sheep and dairy production look like?
Breeding places
In Poland, organic dairy production continues to develop throughout the country. While in 2014 there were only six processing plants producing slightly more than 1,000 tons of milk products, the number of producers doubled by 2016, achieving the record quantity of 150,000 tons of organic dairy production. 1
What do animals eat and where do they live?
The diet of farm animals is precisely specified. Its primary ingredient is organic feed, which has to be produced in co-operation with special production units. At least 60% of feed should consist of roughage:
- green forage in summer,
- hay or silage in winter.
Rooms where animals are kept should have a smooth surface and enough space for rest. The lying area is lined with bedding of straw or any other natural material.2
What does breeding look like?
The EU ensures one of the world’s highest regulatory standards regarding animal welfare. The concept of animal welfare includes health, safety, nutrition and comfort of living.3 Animals should have access to pastures and drinking water. During milking, cows must assume a comfortable standing position that ensures their maximum comfort4
Natural dairy production
Before reaching the processing plant, each product has to be examined thoroughly, and the original farm should comply with all organic breeding standards. Upon approval of the sample, the milk is subjected to the pasteurisation process. If it meets all required criteria, it can be used for the production of all dairy-based products, such as milk, yoghurt, ripened cheeses, goat and sheep cheeses. They are formed and packaged manually in a traditional manner, ensuring a delicate texture and unique taste in each case.
Why is it worth choosing organic products?
Organic products contain many more vitamins and sugars than usual; consequently, the quantity of water for their production is limited to the minimum. Organic milk abounds in nutritional ingredients, such as unsaturated acids, Omega-3, Omega-6, protein and carotenoids.
Such production involves the use of traditional technologies without any artificial colourants, hormones or other “enhancers”. This ensures the unique and natural taste of produced goods.5
Quality supervision within the scope of organic certification
The ecological certificate is acquired after the rigorous verification process carried out by authorised agencies or inspection bodies. The scope of analysis covers production, transport and storage methods. The farms that have obtained an ecological certificate are under constant supervision. Production is controlled by specially dedicated units in consideration of all EU organic farming requirements.6
To sum up, milk and dairy products from certified farms specialising in organic production can be a great source of nutritional ingredients! Choose European food out of concern for yourself and your loved ones!
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