What Does it Mean to be Certified Organic?

Organic milk is the answer to happy herds, healthy consumers, and great-tasting milk! But what does it really mean to be certified organic?

Organic certification is an important stamp of approval for organic farmers and producers. It offers consumers the confidence they need to put their trust in the truly organic standards of the milk and dairy products they purchase.

There are many amazing benefits to organic milk, which is why we at Jersey Girl Organics take our organic status so seriously. Here’s what it means to be certified organic and how this affects the milk you drink.

What is Organic Milk?

Organic milk is about more than just a label. Organic dairy products have to align with strict standards and regulations to ensure that they are free from chemicals and additives.

When you choose organic milk, you’re choosing a product that keeps things as natural as possible. Organic milk is produced by healthy cows raised in pesticide-free pastures with no added hormones or antibiotic treatments.

Organic milk is the purest, most natural milk on the market! Choosing organic milk is a great decision for your health and for the well-being of milk-producing herds.

BioGro NZ Organic Certification

In New Zealand, dairy producers who want to share their certified organic status have to align with a stringent list of standards to ensure that milk is truly deserving of the BioGro NZ tick of approval.

For dairy herds, BioGro NZ’s certified organic requirements include:

Soil management

Part of being an organic dairy business is maintaining safe and healthy soils. Our dairy cows live on the land, so we have a responsibility to look after soil, providing it with adequate water and nutrients.

We maintain a clear soil management plan, submit to regular soil testing, and follow strict rules for composts and vermicasts. We avoid applying raw livestock manures to soil and prevent soils from coming into contact with sewage or non-organic fertilisers.

Water supply

Like any food producer, a dairy farm is reliant on clean water supply. To maintain organic certification, we have to stick to good water supply and irrigation practices at all times.

We take precautions to ensure that water is clean and uncontaminated. We choose efficient irrigation systems that provide adequate water to our pastures, and we ensure that our dairy cows always have access to plenty of clean drinking water.

Pasture & feeding

Dairy cows need healthy environments and healthy food! An organic approach to pastures and feeding is one of the key organic certification requirements.

Our cows always have access to sufficient organic feed, and calves drink plenty of organic maternal milk. Our herd grazes in pastures grown using certified organic seeds. Our pastures and feed are free from non-approved additives or preservatives.

Breeding

Retaining organic certification means maintaining good breeding processes and systems for our herd.

We have strict animal health plans in place for all members of our herd. We do not genetically engineer our dairy cows, and we raise all livestock in line with organic requirements, from gestation right through to production age.

Housing & management

Organic farming includes the provision of suitable housing and management strategies, including shelter and pasture access.

We provide our dairy cows with room to roam and stretch, as well as access to shade and shelter. We clean environments using approved materials, and we allow our cows to make the most of sunlight and natural spaces.

Health & welfare

Looking after our cows means making plans to protect their health and provide welfare treatments when necessary. As part of our organic farming process, we maintain livestock health plans that prioritise quality of life for our animals.

We supply our herd with shade, food, and water, as well as herbal and naturopathic health remedies. If one of our cows requires antibiotics or another medical treatment, we provide them with the care they need and remove them from our organic-producing herd. Our cows do not receive hormones our other growth-promoting substances.

Other standards

BioGro NZ also requires other organic standards. These relate to a variety of areas, including quarantine, pregnancy, transport, and product packaging regulations.

Need certified organic whole milk?

Searching for the best organic milk New Zealand has to offer?

At Jersey Girl Organics, our certified organic dairy products are great for health and taste! Find out more about our certified organic milk today.