Organic Milk Farmers Reverting to Conventional Production, Risking Shortages

Organic milk producers could have to scale back on production, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Organic farming standards ban the routine use of antibiotics and wormers, requiring cows to be fed a natural and organic diet, primarily grass. However, pressure over costs means that farms have reverted to conventional farming, and returning to organic could take up to two or three years. Declined Significantly Organic milk production has declined significantly in recent years, primarily “due to the cost-of-living crisis and consequent weakening consumer demand,” the AHDB said. Pressures from lockdowns and the Russia–Ukraine conflict have had significant knock-on effects on farming, such as high energy costs, and feed and fertiliser supplies. MPs have also expressed concerns that turning over farmland for net zero National Grid pylons could impact food security....