Ref. 29324-22ORGANIC milk is better for you than ordinary milk, according to new research.

Studies published by the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER) show samples of organic milk contain two-thirds more Omega-3 essential fatty acids than ordinary milk.

But the news has come as no surprise to organic farmer Helen Browning, who runs Eastbrook Farm at Bishopstone.

She said: "We have long believed that organic food is healthy for you. It surely follows that if our animals are healthy on an organic GMO-free diet, grazing on pastures untreated with pesticides and minus the routine use of antibiotics, then it must be good for us too.

"The study from IGER is just one of a growing body of research which is beginning to prove the benefits of organic production.

"We have 240 pedigree organic Friesian-Holstein cows providing 4,000 litres of organic milk every day.

"Our cows are healthy, happy as far as we can tell and productive."

The cows are cared for by herdsmen Roy Hill and Tim Newbolt.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health, playing an important role in maintaining heart health, combating the effects of arthritis and developing healthy brains in unborn children.

Sally Bagenal, chief executive of OMSCo, the UK's leading co-op of British organic dairy farmers, said: "The chairman of the Food Standards Agency Sir John Krebs has said in the past that there is no proof of the health benefits for organic food and drink now it unequivocally exists.

"We are inviting the FSA to start recommending organic milk as part of a healthy diet"

Dr Richard Dewhurst, who led the research, said: "Our previous research has shown milk from cows fed clover can contain up to 240 per cent more Omega-3 fatty acids than milk from cows fed grass and concentrates.

"Organic dairy farmers feed much higher levels of clover because they use it as an alternative to using synthetic chemical fertilisers to ensure lush pastures."

Omega-3 fatty acids have to be obtained from food, as they cannot be made in the body.

The best source is oily fish, although drinking half a pint a day of organic milk gives a useful additional source.

Alex Emery