News - Press Release
Organic producers come together for National Organic Dairy Week (2 - 8 June 2008)
Now in its third year, National Organic Dairy Week 2008 continues to highlight the benefits of consuming organic dairy products as well as educating consumers about the positive environmental and farming practices undertaken by organic producers.
The initiative, which is being backed by major retailers nationwide, sees major players in the Organic Dairy sector, working alongside each other to drive category growth. They are supported by a number of commercial partners including OMSCO (Organic Milk Suppliers' Cooperative), Calon Wen and the Milk Development Council.
More and more consumers are buying organic dairy products in the UK - not only because they prefer the taste, but also because they understand and are passionate about the positive environmental impact of producing milk organically. National Organic Dairy Week is an excellent opportunity for all producers to come together to communicate these benefits to even more potential new consumers.
Commenting, Steve Clarke, Marketing Director of Britain's leading premium Organic Dairy, Rachel's Organic, said, "We are delighted to be supporting National Organic Dairy Week and promoting the obvious health and environmental benefits of buying organic once again. It is also a great time raise brand awareness and encourage people to try Rachel's Organic's delicious range of organic dairy products as part of a modern and naturally stylish life."
HEALTH BENEFITS
Dairy produce can help maintain a healthy balanced lifestyle and is vital for the development of strong bones, teeth, nails and hair. This is particularly important for young children and teenagers. Recent research has also highlighted the extra nutritional benefits of organically produced milk which contains more essential beneficial Omega 3 (ALA) fatty acid than no-organic milk.
Dairy produce such as milk and yogurt are often perceived as containing high levels of fat when in fact wholemilk and most yogurts contains less than 4%. Even Greek style yogurt generally has less than 10% fat. And whist richer offerings of cream and butter have higher fat levels, sensible portions still provide essential fresh, natural vitamins (A & D), minerals and protein that are especially important for growing children. In addition, scientists have shown that calcium can play an important role in controlling weight and it is a vital nutrient that offers long term protection against bone disease such as osteoporosis.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Meanwhile the environmental benefits of organic dairy farming include a ban on GM crops and artificial chemicals and associated carbon emissions, as well as contributing to better biodiversity and wildlife of the British countryside. Animal welfare is also paramount on organic farms where no routine antibiotics are used and cows enjoy natural grazing and foraging on diverse pastures in the fresh air.
Activities for National Organic Dairy Week will include Rachel's Organic 'Calling All Rachels' campaign - an ambitious initiative to generate the biggest ever online community of ALL Rachels, challenging them to lead the nation in living a naturally stylish life. More information can be found at www.callingallrachels.co.uk