Local vet JANET BLIKMAN sets the record straight on welfare for animals on organic farms.

Organic food has been up and coming for a while now.

Unfortunately, a lot of people who are unfamiliar with farming do not know what makes food organic - or they simply get the wrong end of the stick.

All farms have to adhere by rules regarding different aspects of the day-to-day management of the farm.

For organic farms, the same rules apply, but they are often stricter.

For example, organic farmers should avoid the use of fertilisers and pesticides in their fields.

They are allowed to use certain, more natural products, if necessary, and often after permission is sought from the organic certifying body.

The principles of organic farming include the use of natural systems and cycles throughout all levels, from the soil to plants and animals.

There is often a perception from the public that animals producing organic meat or milk are not treated with antibiotics.

This is a misconception, and as a veterinary surgeon, I am very glad to say it is.

For example, if I get called out to see a sick cow with an infection on an organic farm, I treat this cow often in exactly the same way as on a conventional farm.

It would be very cruel to say: "Sorry cow, you are organic and therefore we cannot treat you nor give you pain relief."

The difference, however, is that the farmer has to wait longer before he can sell her milk again.

On all farms, organic or not, a so-called withhold time' has to be taken into account.

This means milk or meat cannot be used for human consumption until the drug level is below a certain level, and therefore safe to eat or drink.

For organic farms, this withhold time is extended to two or three times as long as on conventional farms.

Organic farms should have at least the level of welfare of conventional farms.

This means they get a bit more space to express natural behaviour, calves are left with their mother for longer, and disease is less likely to spread.

Because organic farmers have to abide by the above measures, it is more expensive for them to produce the food we are eating.

It is a premium we are paying for added care for the environment and all species living in it.