A DAIRY farm has benefited from the knock-on effects of 'Veganuary' with sales of its organic milk soaring.

Whilst milk is not a vegan product, Acorn Dairy director Caroline Bell believes the campaign - which encourages people to go vegan for January - has made people think more carefully about the provenance of their food.

Orders for Acorn Dairy’s organic milk have grown by 1,000 litres in the last month as Veganuary shone a spotlight on animal welfare.

The dairy, based at Archdeacon Newton, near Darlington, has held the coveted Compassion in World Farming, Good Dairy Award, for their cow and calf welfare since 2012.

The business supplies doorsteps, schools, cafes, hotels and restaurants across the country thanks to its herd of 500 shorthorn cows.

Pesticide-free, the milk is higher in antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids and is renowned for its flavour.

Fed supplements of seaweed and other natural products, Acorn’s herd produce less methane than conventional livestock thereby reducing the farm’s carbon footprint.

Ms Bell said: “We strive continually to drive standards and in 2020 will be producing milk without any use of antibiotics making the produce more relevant for health-conscious customers.

“We have been contacted by more and more businesses who want to trade up to organic milk with provenance, who want to be proud rather than apologetic of the milk they serve.

“Veganuary, or Organuary as we call it, has really made people think about their food choices, quality issues and the impact this has on the environment.”

They already supply some popular 100 per cent organic eateries including Cross Lanes Farm Shop and Café near Barnard Castle, Piercebridge Organics and Clervaux Café in Darlington.