Mossgiel Organic Dairy is expanding its operations by incorporating three new farms as direct suppliers of milk, marking a significant step in the growth of its sustainable farming initiative. Established in 2015 by Bryce Cunningham, Mossgiel emerged from a desire to challenge the harsh realities of a dairy sector often ruled by large-scale producers. This latest expansion is anticipated to boost the company’s operational capacity by 10%.
The farms joining Mossgiel’s network include Auchlea Farm located in Kingswells, Aberdeen; Wester Manbeen, situated just south of Elgin in Moray; and Connage Highland Dairy in Ardersier, located near the Moray Firth close to Nairn. These farms are now proudly recognized as ‘sustainable’ sources of milk for the organic dairy brand.
Mossgiel asserts that gaining independent control over its milk supply will facilitate further growth throughout the UK. Cunningham remarked, “For too long, our industry has just ticked along with the same system, same rules, same outcome; the slow death of small farms.” He emphasized the transformative mission of Mossgiel, stating, “We’ve spent years proving there’s another way, and now we’re stepping fully into that space, not just shouting from the sidelines, but taking it on directly.”
He added, “At Mossgiel, we live by Burns’ words: ‘Dare to be honest and fear no labour.’ What’s happening now hasn’t been easy; it’s been messy, pressured, and at times near impossible, but it’s also been driven by a growing community of people who’ve chosen not to accept the status quo. Taking on these farms is the next step in that journey.”
The firm is celebrated for its unique “low and slow” brewing technique, which employs a gentle, low-temperature pasteurization method aimed at preserving the natural qualities, flavor, and creaminess of the milk. Mossgiel has also established a reputation for environmental stewardship, being the first UK dairy to eliminate single-use plastics in 2019, opting instead for glass bottles and reusable containers.
Allan Clarke from Auchlea Farm noted, “We’ve been producing organic milk for more than 25 years, and this partnership allows us to keep doing what we believe in.” He expressed admiration for Mossgiel’s achievements, stating, “I’ve long admired what Bryce and the Mossgiel team have built. They’ve flown the flag for independent dairies like ours and proved there’s a better way forward. We’re proud to be part of that journey and to work with a Scottish business that shares our values.”
Clarke also pointed out, “As milk buyers get bigger, producers lose connection and collaboration in the race for efficiency and lower costs. That model simply isn’t sustainable, especially for organic farming. Joining the Mossgiel Collective gives us the chance to build something fit for the long term.”
