Australia does not have specific guidelines governing livestock diet composition for organic dairy. However, organic dairy cows must be fed organically produced feed, without the use of herbicides or insecticides.

Australia doesn’t have mandatory regulations for organic livestock diet composition, but many organic producers choose to be certified by private organic certification bodies. There are six certifiers in Australia, all of which base their standards on the National Standard of Organic and Biodynamic Produce.

For dairy products to be deemed organic, feed – whether homegrown or purchased – must be organically produced, without the use of herbicides and insecticides. Different organic certifying companies may accept different standards for livestock diet composition.  

However, cows require a minimum level of forage (grass) in their diet to stay productive and healthy, meaning an all-grain diet, regardless of its origins, is not a suitable option. Whether the dairy you buy is organic or not, the cows are likely to have enjoyed a mixed diet of forage and grain.