Goat farmer aims for organic growth

Enterprising Essex farmer George Dawson is celebrating after achieving organic status for his goat dairy herd. Mr Dawson believes his 400-strong herd at Pebmarsh, Halstead is the only organic milking herd in the country. It has taken more than two years to win organic status and he hopes it will open up new markets for his range of natural fruit yoghurts, bottled milk and hard and soft cheeses, sold under the brand name Rozbert. "I'm delighted the long wait is over. I'm sure this will generate lots of extra interest in goat's cheese and yoghurts and help the business to grow," he said. "I'm hoping to start supplying wholesalers in Scotland and the West Country now that I have organic status." Mr Dawson, 36, set up his goat dairying enterprise in 1998 after converting redundant pig buildings on the family farm into a dairy. He sells to health food shops and wholesalers, farm shops and at farmers' markets and the herd is currently producing around 2500 litres of milk a week. The farm's organic status was confirmed today (Monday) by the Organic Food Federation