In CCOF we voted to let the state and the fed. gov. set the standards. In
a democracy that happens . Majority rules however majority is not always
right. Regulations come at a price. The issue is what regulation and at
what price. Under proposed regulation restrictions are too onerous and
price is too exorbitant. Can the small farmer afford to subject himself to
this regulation and still make a viable living? I can only give you a real
life experence. I was inspected twice in one week by two 3rd parties doing
the same thing and I have to pay 4 3rd parties now and with this fed. law
it will be 5. All we wanted was a common standard but what we are getting
is a bureaucratic nightmare. Now I just don't want to vent I would like to
have an exception or an exemption for the small scale ($50,000 net income)
farmer and let the farmer still sell to wholesalers and whoever else wants
to pay for his goods.
In principle I am opposed too the requirement imposed upon any organic
farmer to have to pay a surtax in order to provide wholesome organic food,
no matter what the size of the operation.
There is too much redundancy of effort and overlap in enforcement of these
regulations; which leads to higer than necessary costs in order to
administer this organic program. Why can't their be a reciprocity between
agencies to be able to accept the work done by the other agencies, or
better yet only have to deal with one agency who can meet the needs and
requirements of all these other agencies?
There is inequality and disparate treatent in how different states either
encourage and promote organic farmers or place such onerous restrictions on
the farmer that they are unable to remain viable into the future.
The associated costs of administering the program are borne entirely and
directly by the farmer which costs are not transferrable to the buyer. The
market will not support the added cost because organic produce is now sold
at a premium. My interest is in increasing the availbale quantity and
quality of wholesome foods. This administrative cost only places an
additional hurdle in my path towards successful farming and a meaningful life.
Where is my robe of innocence?
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