In honour of Canada’s Ag Day, we invited our member, Fromagerie L’Ancêtre (Based in Québec), to highlight their commitment to organic integrity. Celebrating Ag Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of our organic farmers and their innovative practices. As you will discover, organic farming is deeply rooted in sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and animal welfare.

During this time of uncertainty, we encourage all to support local Canadian organic farmers, food, and communities. Please enjoy this Buzz Builder by Fromagerie L’Ancêtre.

Upholding Organic Integrity: Fromagerie L’Ancêtre’s Commitment to Authentic Dairy Practices 

By Ariel Bélanger, L’Ancêtre Fromagerie

Organic integrity lies at the heart of sustainable agriculture, ensuring that products are created with respect for nature, animal welfare, and the health of consumers. At Fromagerie L’Ancêtre, this commitment has been our guiding principle since our inception in 1992. As one of Canada’s pioneers in organic dairy production, we are proud to continue raising the bar for excellence in organic practices.

Organic Practices Rooted in Responsibility

Fromagerie L’Ancêtre was founded by a group of organic milk producers who shared a vision: to create high-quality dairy products without compromising environmental or ethical standards. Our approach to organic farming emphasizes the elimination of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. This ensures that the soil, plants, and animals involved in our production processes thrive in a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

Our cows graze freely outdoors whenever weather permits, enjoying a diet primarily composed of organic forage from nutrient-rich soils. This approach not only supports their well-being but also produces milk that’s naturally rich in essential nutrients.

Going Beyond Organic Certification
While meeting Canada’s organic certification standards is essential, we believe in pushing boundaries. In partnership with five dedicated organic milk producers, we’ve adopted practices that exceed standard requirements. These producers focus on feeding their cows a maximum of grass and forage, ensuring the milk is of superior quality.

This emphasis on a grass-based diet has multiple benefits:

• Enhanced Nutritional Value: Milk from grass-fed cows contains higher levels of essential fats and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Improved Animal Welfare: A diet rich in grass supports the natural behavior and health of the cows.
• Environmental Benefits: Grass-fed farming practices reduce carbon emissions and promote soil regeneration.

The Grass-Fed Certification: A Canadian First
Fromagerie L’Ancêtre is proud to be the first in Canada to feature the Dairy Farmers of Canada’s “Grass-Fed” logo on our organic cheddar products. This certification guarantees that at least 75% of the cows’ feed comes from grass or forage, with the remaining 25% consisting of grains and supplements tailored for Canada’s challenging winters. To maintain transparency and trust, our practices are rigorously audited by Ecocert, an independent certification body.

The Grass-Fed logo is now proudly displayed on our Mild, Medium, and Old 325g cheddars, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase.

Organic Integrity: A Shared Responsibility

Maintaining organic integrity is a collective effort that involves farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. By choosing organic and grass-fed products, consumers play a crucial role in supporting sustainable agriculture, reducing the environmental impact of food production, and promoting animal welfare.

At Fromagerie L’Ancêtre, we understand the importance of trust in the organic value chain. That’s why we’re committed to upholding the highest standards of quality, certified through rigorous audits conducted by accredited third-party organizations. Our products meet the requirements of the Canada Organic standards, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Dairy Farmers of Canada, among others.

Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Canadian Agriculture Day, we’re reminded of the importance of innovation and collaboration in advancing organic integrity. At Fromagerie L’Ancêtre, we remain dedicated to producing dairy products that are not only delicious but also contribute to a healthier planet and society.

By choosing Fromagerie L’Ancêtre’s organic and grass-fed cheeses, you’re supporting practices that prioritize sustainability, animal welfare, and exceptional quality. Together, we can build a future where organic agriculture continues to thrive.

For more information about our products and practices, visit our website or explore the Dairy Farmers of Canada’s Grass-Fed program. Let’s celebrate the power of organic integrity and the positive impact it has on our world.

Watch this informative video by Fromagerie L’Ancêtre on organic certification.

About Ariel Bélanger:

Ariel is Marketing, Social and Events Manager at L’Ancêtre. With a master’s degree in communications and marketing, her role is to promote the cheese dairy’s activities across Canada and to share its inspiring story as the country’s leader in organic dairy processing. Spreading the word about a more sustainable way of producing and consuming our food is her way of ensuring that every bite is a better world.