Lye Cross Farm near Bristol has launched the first 100% grass-fed cheddar produced in the UK.

The farm is certified under by the Pasture for Life organisation, which means that cows are fed a 100% grass or forage diet.

This can include wholecrop silage or brassicas, but not any kind of meal such as soya.

The cheddar is also certified as organic, non-GMO and antibiotic free and is being sold in the US with a Department of Agriculture-approved organic label.

US market

As US consumers become more conscious of animal welfare standards and the benefits of grass-fed dairy, the producers at Lye Cross are targeting a a high-value consumer market.

“We sell to many different customers in the US who love British cheese and the story we tell about how and where the cheese is made,” Lye Cross Farm sales and marketing director Ben Hutchins said.

Grass-fed

The issue of what determines “grass-fed” has been under discussion in Ireland, with our animal feed imports reaching 4.5m tonnes.

On top of these discussions, the carbon footprint of animal feed from other countries is under the spotlight as the indigenous tillage industry comes under increasing pressure and the number of acres under tillage drops.

Many consumers are also becoming more concerned about the issue of GM-free products, with a large quantity of imported feed being GM grain or soya.

Pasture for Life has recently announced that accreditation is available in Ireland through the Organic Trust.