Organic Dairy

Many people prefer organic foods. This is a relatively recent trend, likely influenced by the growing awareness of the use of pesticides in farming practices and the use of hormones during milk production. Organic farming is also growing popular because many organic farming methods take into consideration the wellness of the animals in the herd and also the effect of farming on the land.

According to the Organic Trade Association, organic dairy products have shown a growth rate of 20 to 30 percent over the past few years. This growth in the organic dairy industry has provided customers with a large variety of organic dairy products to choose from. Today, the Organic Trade Association, notes that consumers can purchase the following certified organic dairy products in supermarkets:

  • Organic milk
  • Organic cream
  • Organic half and half
  • Organic cheeses and spreads
  • Organic butter
  • Organic powdered milk and cheese
  • Organic ice cream
  • Organic buttermilk
  • Organic yogurt

Organic Certification

The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990 (PDF) details the requirements for organic farming and organic foods. The National Organic Program (NOP), a part of the United States Department of Agriculture, “regulates the standards for any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operation that wants to sell an agricultural product as organically produced”. This regulation provides standards for organic foods, which helps consumers to identify organic farms and organic dairy products. A listing of USDA certified organic operations (as of 2010) can be found here, at the National Organic Program (NOP) website.

In addition to regulating the standards for selling an agricultural product as organically produced, the National Organic Program “develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards” for organic food products such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The Organic Trade Association defines certified organic milk as coming from dairy farms which observe the following restrictions:

  • No prohibited substances have been used on the land for at least three years.
  • Detailed records have been kept of the methods and materials used in production.
  • All methods and materials have been inspected annually by a third-party certifier accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  • All farmers and processors have maintained written Organic Plans detailing their management practices.

The Organic Trade Association defines also notes that organic dairy cows are generally:

  • Fed organic feed raised on land certified as meeting national organic growing standards
  • Raised in conditions which limit stress and promote health
  • Cared for as individuals by dairy professionals who value animal health
  • Not given routine treatments of antibiotics or growth hormones

More information about organic labeling and marketing can be found here, at the National Organic Program (NOP) website.