Danes confirm organic pinta is better for you

Organic milk processors have received a boost from research that showed their product contains higher levels of vitamins, essential fats and antioxidants than non-organic.

The Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, in a euros 18m three-year European Union project, found that organic milk was 50% higher in vitamin E, 75% higher in beta carotene and 200%-300% higher in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthine. It also confirmed earlier findings by the University of Aberdeen and the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research that organic milk has higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids than conventional milk.

"This new research adds to the growing body of evidence proving the health benefits of organic food," said Patrick Holden, director of the Soil Association.

Although organic milk processors charge a high premium they have been victims of oversupply during the past three years, with more than a third of organic milk going to the non-organic market.

Organic dairy Yeo Valley said proof that organic milk had added health benefits would increase demand and reduce oversupply. The company, which entered the organic liquid milk market in the middle of last year, said it had sold more than 1m litres by December and that the market was growing by 15.6% year-on-year, three times that of non-organic milk.

Meanwhile, the profile of conventional dairy products is being raised through a £3m campaign, co-ordinated by the Milk Development Council, promoting the benefits of milk, cheese and yoghurt. The European Commission is contributing £1.5m to the campaign, which is also being supported by dairy companies.