ORGANIC MILK SCORES BETTER NUTRITIONALLY...AGAIN

Organic milk yet again scores better nutritionally.......

Before anyone starts, have a look at my take on the UK FSA report(part 1 and 2) on organic food and its nutritional superiority or otherwise. (Much of this Newcastle milk research, btw, was just outside the time frame of the UK FSA study....but then, 2/3 of all relevant and published peer reviewed research was too, so what's the biggie!?!)

A new study by researchers from Newcastle University has found significant health and nutritional benefits to organic milk. The research has found that organic milk is higher in beneficial nutrients and fatty acids and, importantly, it is so throughout the year. It also found that saturated fat levels are considerably lower in organic milk.

Saturated fats are considered unhealthy, and are implicated in heart-related conditions.

The European Union-funded study analysed 22 brands of milk available in supermarkets, including 10 organic brands. The milk was all purchased between 2006 and 2008.

The peer-reviewed paper said the health benefits were present all year round rather than just during the summer. Previous research by the same team on milk directly from dairy farms had found that organic milk's benefits held for the summer but less so for winter.

This new study is published in the Journal of Dairy Science. Lead researcher Gillian Butler, livestock project manager for the Nafferton Ecological Farming Group, said: "We wanted to check if what we found on farms also applies to milk available in the shops. Surprisingly, the differences between organic and conventional milk were even more marked. Whereas on the farms the benefits of organic milk were proven in the summer but not the winter, in the supermarkets it is significantly better quality all year round."

The researchers found that the conventional milk collected during a particularly poor UK summer and the following winter had significantly higher saturated fat content and far less beneficial fatty acids than in a more standard weather period.

The more proscribed dietary regimes for organic dairy cows, as compared to their conventional counterparts, is significant in explaining the differences. No more than 40% of the diet can be non-grass under the organic rules.

According to the Soil Association, the UK largest organic certification body:

�The paper not only shows why there is a difference in the nutritional quality of organic and non-organic milk, but also identifies the importance of feeding at least 60% grass or conserved grass to organic cows, as required by organic standards.

The research emphasises the huge importance of allowing cattle to graze outdoors and to eat a natural diet high in grass. This means organic cows do not depend on high levels of grain and proteins such as soya.�

Butler also pointed out that �we're always being told to cut down on the saturated fat we consume and switching to organic milk and dairy products provides a natural way to increase our intake of nutritionally desirable fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants without increasing our intake of less desirable fatty acids�

"By choosing organic milk you can cut saturated fats by 30-50 per cent and still get the same intake of beneficial fatty acids, as the omega-3 levels are higher but omega-6 is not, which helps to improve the crucial ratio between the two."

Organic milk is considered the most researched of certified organic products.

In total, six studies have now found that organic milk has more fat-soluble nutrients - omega-3 fatty acid, Vitamin E and beta-carotene - than non-organic milk, as well as a healthier omega 3:6 ratio (skimmed milk does not have these nutrients).

The most scientifically robust study is by Glasgow and Liverpool Universities, which found that UK (whole) organic milk has on average 68% higher levels of the essential fatty acid omega-3 and a healthier omega-3:6 profile than non-organic milk.

Other recent research found that there were also specific health benefits: Dutch research showed that if infants up to two years old and their mothers eat organic dairy foods, then the infants suffer a 36% lower incidence of eczema - a type of allergic reaction common among Western children. This could be due to the higher CLA level in organic milk and in the breast milk of mothers consuming organic milk, as shown by another study.

Positive as these results are for the organic diary sector in Ireland, the research is on milk available in the UK, not in Ireland. Irish conventional cattle do consume more grass than their UK counterparts. Irish-specific research on organic milk is therefor needed.

New Research Initiative into Irish Organic Milk

A new research initiative into Irish organic milk was launched in Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) recently.

The initiative, a partnership between LIT's Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre (ABC) and the Irish Organic Milk Producers Ltd will be conducted by Dr. Daniel Walsh and Dr. Tracey Larkin from Shannon ABC.

(pic: LtoR Pat Mulrooney, Tracey Larkin and John Liston)

The researchers will examine samples of milk from the Irish Organic Milk Producers, from conventional milk farmers and also imported organic milk.

The research will be conducted for a period of 12 weeks and will test antioxidants, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity in the milk.

John Liston, research officer for the Irish Organic Milk Producers, expressed delight at the opportunity to work with Shannon ABC to highlight the benefits of local organic milk.

The Irish Organic Milk Producers Ltd consists of 14 certified organic dairy farmers. Pat Mulrooney Chairperson of the group stated that �as farmers using organic methods we have a thorough knowledge of the high quality of our product before it leaves the farm gate. However once our product leaves the farm gate we have no control over it�.

He elaborates: �It is therefore important that as the primary producers we maintain control over our product by adding value to it. This research partnership will prove the benefits of organic milk and allow us to advertise and market our unique product to consumers�.

The Company have plans to launch products, and will be able to use the findings of the research to promote their milk � provided of course the findings differentiate organic Irish milk from other milk in a positive way.

At the launch, former Minister of State for Food Trevor Sargent TD, stressed how important the organic dairy sector had been in other European countries, such as Austria, in leading the way for the development of the organic sector: high demand for dairy products convinced significant numbers dairy farmers to convert to organic production.

�We in government are committed to the development of the organic sector and my colleague Ciaran Cuffe is looking forward to working in this area. In 2009 we invested �8.7million in the organic sector and we will continue to invest to ensure that the sector expands to reach its full potential�.

Markets for organic dairy remain reasonably strong, both in Ireland and the UK

The most recent TNS figures (September 09) report that year on year, the value of organic dairy grew by 24.8%: even the previous 12 weeks, a slower period across the organic sector, organic dairy grew by 11.4%.

The organic yogurt market also grew in Ireland in 2009: by 32.8% year on year, and by 26.6% in the 12 weeks up to September 2009.

As reported in recent weeks, there have been interesting developments in the organic dairy sector, both in Ireland and the UK.

The UK organic diary market grew by 1% in 2009. Whilst this is small, it is against a backdrop of an overall 12.9% organic market decline. The arrival of Donegal Cremeries into the Irish market has had a significant impact here: their yogurt range is stocked in ALDI. Prices have begun to drop, with intense price competition in the organic yogurt market in Ireland. Indeed, prices have even dropped in the last month, and special offers have become almost routinised.

Glenisk have moved into the Northern Irish market, while leading UK Yogurt brands such as Yeo Valley and Rachael's already have a presence in Ireland.

Although the number of organic dairy farmers in Ireland is small, there are causes for optimism.

The emergence of the Irish Organic Milk Producers is, from a farmer's perspective, a positive. Farmers will receive more of the economic benefits from further along the food chain, benefits usually harnessed by food businesses.

It is also likely that there will be an increase in the numbers of organic dairy farmers in the coming years, due to upcoming conversions.

organic milk quota freed up: reactions

It has been a long time coming, but the granting of additional milk quota to organic dairy farmers has been welcomed by all involved in the sector.

On the 12th August, Minister of State Sargent announced that an additional 45,000 litres would be available to individual producers, which could facilitate the release of 750,000 more litres in the current milk quota year.

This has been facilitated by a 2% increase in the national quota as and from 1st April of this year.

Pat Mulrooney is the current chair of the newly formed Irish Organic Milk Producers Company.

Pat welcomed the move: �It will mean that the 20 quota starved farmers we have opportunity to play catch up�

Pat is also convinced that the formation of the new company in April was instrumental in achieving the increased quota:

�Since the company was formed, we�ve made our case far better� according to Pat. �There is no doubt about it. All of our efforts were with department previously. He points out that the company canvassed minister Sargent and the Taoiseach, as well as giving �oral and written presentations, highlighting our needs and entitlements�.

Organic dairy farmers have been asking for this of many years now. They have been hampered, in growth terms, for most of this decade by the quota regime. In early 2006, James Mulhall argued that he could actually operate at 450,000 litres, nearly twice his current 240,000 litre quota.

Another organic dairy farmer, Fintan Rice, told me this week that he will have no problem filling his new quota: Fintan has a quota of 227,000 and could easily hit 350,000 on the 40 hectares of his farm that is in permanent grassland.

Pat Mulrooney agrees �it�ll be adequate for this year. The availability of organic cows means that it�s fine for now - but we�ll be ready for more soon.�

There is one proviso, however. It is not the case that every organic dairy farmer is automatically entitled to 45,000 liitres. There was a top up scheme available upon entry into organics, so if a farmer availed of this then, this total will be taken from the 45,000 litres.

As an example: Fintan Rice received 3000 gallons when he joined up, which is just over 11,000 litres. So he can only apply for about c.33-34,000 litres.

Glenisk, who currently receive about 5 million litres of milk from the island of Ireland (50% of which comes from the republic) was understandably delighted. Vincent Cleary, MD of Glenisk: �This should lead to many smaller but progressive dairy farmers viewing organics as a viable option in the near future. From our perspective at Glenisk, it will lead to continued growth and development � enabling us to increase our existing portfolio of products and to access new markets.�

Farmers will now be able to consider becoming food businesses themselves. At present, 3-400,000 litres of organic milk produced in the republic is used for this function and according to Pat, dairy farmers will now also be able to consider various options.

Present examples include Kate Carmody in Kerry, IOFGA chair, with her Beal cheeses and the Kelly�s in Westmeath, who produce the Moonshine brand of soft cheese, yoghurts and smoothies.

IOFGA, the largest certification body in Ireland, agree that the move will �also allow for the expansion of the organic artisan food sector�.

Over the years, there were action plans, talk shops, statements, surveys upon surveys, and little real change for the organic sector. The market has been strong, at home and abroad, but the basic raw material, organic milk, has been in short supply.

An increase in quota availability was flagged in this column last April as being the highlight in this year�s 64 part Organic Action Plan. Its delivery was earmarked as being medium term, or 1-3 years. Getting this ahead of time is refreshing to say the least.

The minister responsible, Trevor Sargent, is understandably chuffed, claiming to be �pleased that we are able to deliver on this so soon."

So he should be.

To apply, contact the department of Agriculture�s milk policy division. Forms can be downloaded from the department�s website

Organic milk: real hope on the horizon

At last, organic milk producers in Ireland can finally expand.

Additional quota of 45,000 litres have been made available to them, which could result in up to 750,000 more litres of organic milk being produced in the current milk quota year.

Organic dairy farmers who want to download the form, click here

(for those of you who don't know what any of the quota talk means, essentially organic milk producers were debarred from expanding their enterprises becuase of the historic overproduction of commodities like milk in the EU. It may seem mad in a food shortages world, but its a legacy from the post war period in EU policy and the subsequent food and drink mountains days.)

The Greens, and Trevor Sargent in particular, said they would deliver this sort of action. It seems they are making good on it.

For more, see here

a positive strike for all

here's a quirky little story I picked up from Slow Food news.

"Hundreds of German milk producers recently went on strike for several weeks to protest against reduced milk prices, stopping milk deliveries until the retail market agreed to pay 40 eurocents per liter. In the German federal state of Hessen, 130 Slow Food member milk producers and members of the Uppl�nder Bauernmolkerei cooperative supported the strike action and stopped milk sales for four days even though their organic milk (of very high quality) commands a premium price of 50 eurocents per liter. Instead, they produced 14 tonnes of butter and 24 tonnes of milk powder, which was then donated on June 24 to representatives of the charity M�decins Sans Fronti�res."

For more on slow food, click here

organic milk in Ireland: news, issues and a new company

A new company has been established by a group of 16 organic dairy farmers. I spoke to Tipperary organic farmer Pat Mulrooney, of the newly formed Irish Organic Milk Producers (IOMP) Company about the company and also about issues facing the sector in general.

Quota, costs and prices, the need for joined up thinking about organics at Departmental level, and the remit and opportunities of the new company all emerged as key issues.

First off, Pat does see some growth potential: �We see development, and more farmers coming into it, if not in the short term them further down the line. Our production will double in the next 2 yrs, and it will probably double in Northern Ireland as well. Some of our 16 members haven�t come on stream into organic as of yet.�

However, according to Pat, this doubling will come about because of extra farmers, not because of quota increases:

�Its 2001 or 2002 since anyone has been able to get quota of any size. There is no-one retiring from our group, and we�re not able to get anything from the national pool�.

�There is a small amount of new quota for various new products, but none for our specific products. There is such a small pool of milk available to us, and none from any other source�

While the vast majority of organic milk will still be purchased by Glenisk, Pat suggests that freeing up some quota would allow for some product and brand development.

As with so many other farmers, feed costs are a major concern:

�We�d like to see more done with summer milk. Winter milk is a hefty commitment. The costs are gone crazy, with meal at �600 a tonne. It�s crippling and marginalising. Now, we�re all adapting to this as best we can, to develop systems where we�re less dependent on meal, such as growing our own crops, and growing more red clover. But we�ve no good alternative system in place - we�re making progress, but even growing our own feed puts more pressure on our available land�.

In this variable costs context, price inevitably becomes an issue. Because of the differences in production costs, every six months or so, there are discussions as to the price of summer and winter milk: �We got a reasonable price last winter, and we�re hopeful that we�ll come to a reasonable conclusion for this summer�.

Specifically, Pat states: �Really, you�d want 60c per litre for the winter and, at the very minimum, 47 to 48 cent for the summer�

Winter prices will be discussed again on the 1^st August, while summer prices are being finalised at the moment.

What is perhaps most frustrating is that the Department seems to be speaking with a forked tongue - promoting organics with one side, and holding it back with the other:

�Overall it�s a bit disjointed. While there are some good government schemes promoting organic farming, we�re very much left behind. We can�t improve like our neighbours, though we�re living in the same economy. Promotion and grant aid money are all fine, and we�re supportive of that. But there has to be something in the quota system to allow us to expand like our neighbours. Otherwise it won�t be viable.�

The current situation for organic dairy farmers with regard to costs, price and quota has provided an impetus for the formation of the IOMP company:

�At least we�ll have a more coherent voice. We�ll be giving different jobs to different people in the company. We�ll educate ourselves this first year.�

The company will have a business development dimension: Marketing and developing a better understanding of actual on-farm milk production costs are two areas Pat cites that the company will be focusing on.

Overall them, there are both opportunities and constraints on the organic dairy sector. The Irish Organic Milk Producers company will at least help the sector represent itself.

organic consumers association (US)

If you want global organic news, there are a few options, some of which are over there on the left in links....
one that always does a good job is this one
they also do a newsletter, which is full of useful, often quite positive tidbits
there I got an update on the bizzare world of US organic milk labelling