OFPA is not implemented yet as you know Sal. All the problems you have had
and are having are not caused directly by OFPA. Sorry to keep offering you
challenges, but you never respond to them, so lets offer another one. On
balance in regards to organic farming, handling or certification I would be
interested in knowing of any existing standard of any certifier that is
higher then the language in OFPA.
and the same can
be
>said for prohibiting certifiers from publicizing the fact that THEIR
>standards may go BEYOND those of the OFPA. And it's going to hard
for
>you, Eric or anyone else to deny that. (Eric might give his best shot
>but it certainly won't be good enough, and I say this because we've
>discussed it at length face to face. He's kind of stubborn, but not
that
>comprehensive). >>
Sal, I would like to know any existing of standards within farming, handling
or organic certification process that is higher then OFPA.
Certainly the $5000 exemption is higher then any certifier has. Without
question the National List process leaves ever certifier lapping at the NOP
programs back legs. Why, some certifiers have done everything they can to
destroy the National Program because it is too stringent. No synthetics
substances, processing aids or food additives, etc are allowed to contact or
be part of processed organic food under OFPA. Know any certifer that can
beat that. All synthetics are prohibited in organic farm production under
OFPA. Know any certifier, codex or IFOAM that says that. What about
livestock, processing standards? Do they compare? What about organic farm
and handling operation plans? What about procedures of certification? How
many have certification of fiber production and conversion? The NOSB
recommendations, though inconsistent with OFPA in a few places are the
product of hard working folks, more comprehensive than any standards existing
anyplace in the world. The NOSB did a good job, since many members knew
virtually nothing about organic farming, handling and certifying. What about
some US certifier protecting organic cotton or soybean producers or organic
wine producers from allowing imported products claiming to be organic to be
sold in the US. Can't think of a single certifier with the clout to do that.
The NOP will protect organic for consumers and farmers.
Best, Eric
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