The future of organic and sustainable dairy farming — Meet Norco
There’s nothing quite like pure organic milk. We speak to Norco and the team from Oxhill Organics, a family-owned intergenerational farm that produces milk for the brand.
Tell us about your organic milk.
Norco: When it comes to pure, unadulterated milk, nothing beats our Organic Full Cream Milk. To us, it is both family-friendly and environmentally friendly. Our certified organic farmers are located on lush land free from synthetic pesticides, fertilisers and herbicides.
Not only is this good for Aussie families, but it’s also good news for our delicate environment. Recently, Norco Organic Full Cream was awarded the gold medal at the 2021 DIAA Australia Competition. This is our third gold medal in a row, having also won in 2020 and 2019.
Oxhill Organics: Our organic milk is produced by predominantly Jersey cows grazing on a diverse range of grasses that are sustained by healthy, earthworm-filled soils. These soils are enriched by rich organic compost made on our farm.
What is the story of your brand?
Norco: Norco was established in 1895 by an enterprising group of farmers from the foothills of Byron Bay (at Clunes on June 5, 1895) who wanted to start a central factory dedicated to the principles of the cooperative which allowed farmers to access better prices for their milk. Last year, Norco celebrated 125 years as a 100 per cent Australian farmer-owned dairy cooperative. Norco still upholds those core cooperative principles of transparency, authenticity and sustainability in the dairy industry.
What has been the highlight of your brand story?
Norco: While the original Norco cooperative values still remain, the business has grown exponentially since its foundation in 1895. The Norco cooperative has moved beyond being a creamery and now has multiple divisions, including multiple dairy-processing facilities and rural retail outlets across Queensland and New South Wales, in addition to multiple agribusiness milling plants. All embody our core values and purpose — to drive the sustainability of agriculture in Australia. Our annual milk production is close to 200 million litres and we proudly produce milk and ice cream both for the domestic Australian market as well as for a number of export customers throughout the world.
Oxhill Organics: The highlight of organic farming is the way the soil, plants and animals on the farm become healthier and happier.
Why is being certified organic important to your brand?
Oxhill Organics: We certify our product to maintain our integrity and commitment to organic farming.
What has been the most challenging part of the journey?
Norco: The nature of our cooperative is to work towards a sustainable dairy and agricultural industry. The continued growth of the Norco brand and the outpouring of support from our loyal consumers and customers is important for our Norco family during tough times such as drought and bushfires. It’s a demonstration of the support that our community provides us, and this is something we are exceptionally grateful for.
Where can we buy your product?
Norco: Norco Organic Milk is available in select Coles, Woolworths and IGAs across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. Other Norco products are available statewide in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT.
For more information visit norco.com.au.
