" Why did they make such a production out
of this if they were serious about "standards" all they had to do was open
a NOFA etc. manual and they would have STANDARDS! "
And when we open the OCIA manual, the standards are different
And the Oregon Tilth manual, at variance still
And the Texas Dept. of Agriculture standards: not in agreement with all the
above.
"And so we went down to the cross roads
tried to flag a ride
nobody didn't seem to see me
they just passed me by." -W. Dixon
We can get out the suitcase, but don't pack it just yet. There is still a
chance to make the federal government accept us rather than us accept it.
The kicker is that in reality not very many people even within the organic
community are willing to have uniform standards, because if we really did,
then all the manuals above would not be at variance to one another after 8
long years.
If we walk off into Private Certification/accreditation, how is that not an
abyss of confusion? And mark that this does affect small organic growers-even
those who only sell directly to consumers. In any case, the road ends just
over the next hill.
Hang in there.
Later,
Steve Sprinkel
Texas Organic Growers Association
>>Dear Sanet list, This is my first post to this list. We have a small CSA in
Central Ma. and while not yet certified we are members of Nofa. I am a bit
confused. I know that there was such a public outcry from the above groups
and others that the USDA organic guidelines where sent back to the drawning
board. I take it however from this thread they are still planning to draft
organic "standards". (or lack of standards)
I have read comments from some organic growers (small growers which is what
we are) that they would continue to grow vegetables and livestock as they
have been. They would continue to be honest with their customers and if
this meant the were not longer "certified" so be it.
If the USDA standards are passed can't we as members of NOFA etc. continue
to "advertise" our produce as NOFA certified?
There is no doubt in my mind that these standards are a way to use "organic"
to make a profit for large growers who will not really be growing in the way
that we now know organic to be, should be, must be. Because of this I think
that in some ways I feel most sorry for the consumer, the one trying to buy
"clean" food and has come to rely on the organic label to get a quality
product. I feel sorry too for the larger organic grower who will find
competitors from these less than organic growers when trying to market to
grocery stores, restaurant, or internationally.
Is the idea of USDA organic label bad, no, is the increased cost in a
license to small growers bad yes. Why did they make such a production out
of this if they were serious about "standards" all they had to do was open
a NOFA etc. manual and they would have STANDARDS!
Good luck to you my fellow growers, Beth>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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