On Wed, 20 May 1998, sal wrote:
> Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 16:53:43 -0700
> From: sal <sals@rain.org>
> To: organic-certification@listserv.oit.unc.edu,
> organic-certification@listserv.oit.unc.edu,
> Organic Gardening Discussion List <OGL@LSV.UKY.EDU>,
> Multiple recipients of list OGL <OGL@LSV.UKY.EDU>,
> sanet-mg@shasta.ces.ncsu.edu
> Subject: Come together
>
> "Not just organic -- community certified"
>
>
>
> The response to the USDA's proposed rules for organic has been loud and
> critical. The government's decision to include among other things genetically
> engineered organisms, sewage sludge, factory farming of livestock, and
> irradiated foods under the organic umbrella ranked farmers and consumers
> alike. It now appears almost certain that the rules will be rewritten, thus
> adding more time and frustration to what has already been a lengthy and
> confusing process.
>
> Some of us who have farmed for years chemical free are convinced that asking
> the USDA to define organic is like trusting the Fox to guard the chicken
> coop.
> Rather than waiting on the government "or anyone else" we are instead
> suggesting a proactive stance. Since last October we have been meeting
> monthly
> to discuss what shape appropriate local response to the debate on organic
> might
> take. Weather third party certified organic or biodynamic or independently
> organic we all agree that are most trusted and recognizable support comes from
> our customers. We also saw eye to eye on matters such as protecting customers
> right to choose, educating the public on the benefits of chemical free
> farming,
> in connecting customers to sources of food as Hallmark of good, safe and
> sustainable agriculture.
>
> Washington cannot address these matters for us, nor can they define the values
> they reflect, since they are spiritual values and depend on a system of
> regulation that exceeds any government's capacity to legislate. Instead, we
> need what we begun to call "community certification." Community certification
> is carried out by individuals who look at each other in the eye at farmers
> markets, in community programs, and produce stance. It is based on honor and
> trust, and no federal program will ever match its integrity.
>
> We recognize the years of combin agricultural experience represented among
> you,
> and we need your participation as we clarify what this new "system" should
> looked like. We are considering a new certification program tentatively
> called
> "community certified" which would not used word organic at all. Please
> join us
> in further discussion.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> An organic growers homepage check out
>
> http://www.rain.org/~sals/my.html
>
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>
The Growing EDGE
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Website -- http://www.growingedge.com
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