Sad fact: Even in the world of organic, not all milk is created equal. Dairy farmer Dean Sparks breaks it down.
I live in Upstate NY, and I frequently check the dairy code numbers on products. Many organic products touting the “local” claim are actually made in California, Colorado and Wisconsin. Not exactly local.
You’ll find this especially true if you are buying the store brand “private label” milks from large grocery chains like Target, Safeway, Kroger, and many others. Many of these chains purchase cheap “organic” milk from large CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) out West. Do they know they are doing this? Sure they do, but they think that you, their loyal customer, are seeking value for your dollar in these tough economic times. And sure, we all are.
But not for the cost of our integrity.
Sparks has some tips for finding out what kind of farm your milk comes from, and how far it traveled to get to your fridge.
