Organic milk from cows that will be retired to a sanctuary once their milking days are over has started its first deliveries this week in the UK. The milk is being offered by the Ahimsa Dairy Foundation (ADF) working in partnership with the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative (OMSco) and one of their supplier farms in Kent – Commonwork.

At present the milk, which costs £2.25 (EUR2.58) a litre and 15p for doorstep delivery, is being distributed in northwest London and parts of Hertfordshire, although national distribution is being explored.

Patrick Holden, former director of the Soil Association says: “I am delighted that Ahimsa Slaughter-Free Milk is now on the market and very much welcome the initiative. As a dairy farmer myself I am inspired by this example. It is setting a benchmark for farmers around the world and proves they can farm without exploiting their cows.”

Sanjay Tanna, director of ADF, adds: “There is so much suffering in the production of conventional milk. We believe this is no way to reward the generosity of the cow on whose milk people are so dependent.”