I was told recently by a certified organic farmer that she suspects that
another certified organic farmer (certified by a different body) has been
bad-mouthing her to a retailer she has been selling to for years. She
thinks this farmer raised questions about the validity of the certifying
body she works with and now the retailer is not buying much from her. This
is a retailer she has been selling to for many years and their order has
decreased dramatically.
I've suggested she talk openly to the retailer and ask what is the reason
behind the drop in business (her fear could be unfounded or there could be
another explanation; or she may be given an opportunity to defend her
certifying agency) but I wonder this: have any other farmers had this
problem and if so is it widespread enough to warrant concern? If it does
happen a lot will the proposed USDA regs make it less easy for unscrupulous
competitors to damage one's business this way?
Mark
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