The Certified Heritage Farm Designation

The Heritage Dairy Farm Association was formed in 2001 by a group of like minded dairy farmers who believe that natural, healthy food products must come from healthy, contented animals living in a natural, healthy environment. The Association is committed to grass based production, animal welfare and environmental sustainability and enhancement.

Cows, by nature, are grazing, herd animals and the standards of the association ensure that they will spend a minimum of 150 days each year grazing as nature intended them to. Association members on Vancouver Island are blessed with a mild marine climate that usually allows for more than 200 days of grazing annually.

There are distinct benefits to pasture based production. The cows do their own harvesting and manure spreading which leaves the tractor in the shed and the fuel pump idle. Cows are generally more healthy and contented which leads to longer productive lives. Cows over ten years of age are common on Heritage Dairy Farms. Milk from cows on pasture is higher in Conjugated Linoleic Acids.

Heritage Dairy Farms are committed to environmental sustainability. They embrace a grass based forage production model for pasture and silage for winter feeding. The use of herbicides and pesticides is prohibited.

Heritage Dairy Farms recognize and respect bio-diversity. Each farm is committed to specifically enhance and promote a special aspect of its natural bio-diversity. Riparian areas are protected and managed to ensure favourable habitat for aquatic species.

The standards of the Heritage Dairy Farm Association are ensured through annual inspection by an independent, licensed, professional agrologist.

All Natural Pastures Cheese is made from milk produced on certified Heritage Dairy Farms.

The outstanding quality of Natural Pastures cheeses begins with outstanding quality milk which begins with healthy and contented cows eating healthy and nutritious forage in a healthy and sustained environment. We think you'll taste our commitment in every bite. Bon Appetite!