Thise Dairy has become the only dairy in the Denmark to establish certified antibiotic-free herds.

These certified herds already supply about one-third of the dairy’s milk. Initially, the added value comes from the whey, which is in high demand for baby food production. However, in the long run, the focus is also on expanding the market for organic cheeses in the United States, says Per Godsk Nielsen, CEO of Thise Dairy, to økologisk.nu.

Preparations for certification began more than 20 years ago, driven in part by agricultural specialist Anne Berg Olsen. Since 2003, she has worked closely with the dairy’s cooperative farmers to reduce antibiotic use through Thise Dairy’s so-called “barn schools.” These schools, developed in collaboration with the Organic Association and Aarhus University, have enabled farmers to share experiences and best practices.

The Danish Food and Agriculture Authority assisted in developing a certification process that meets U.S. approval standards. Today, the agency’s organic control unit oversees the certification of the herds.

A German company exporting baby food to the U.S. is already purchasing whey from the certified herds. Now, Thise Dairy is also working to boost cheese exports to the American market. Until now, the dairy has been unable to market its cheeses as organic in the U.S. due to certification requirements. However, with milk from these certified antibiotic-free herds, cheeses like Vesterhavsosten (North Sea Cheese) can now carry the USDA organic label.

Read the full article in økologisk.nu HERE

Photo: Ronnie Overgoor, Unsplash