In a message dated 24/03/2010 13:36:57 GMT Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

can they  certify you as organic if your bees are within foraging range of 
non-organic  nectar sources?



The Soil Association who is the main certifying body for the UK says at  
paragraph 15.4.2 of their standards that when siting apiaries they must make  
sure nectar and pollen sources within 4 miles of the apiary consist 
essentially  of: 
1. organic crops, and/or
2. Uncultivated areas with natural vegetation, and
3. crops that have been managed only with low environmental impact methods  
and which cannot significantly affect the organic description of 
beekeeping,  and
4. keep them far enough away from potential sources of contamination, such  
as urban centres, motorways, industrial areas, waste dumps and waste  
incinerators.
 
I live in a rural county in southern England, keeping my bees as far as  
possible on organic farms, on the edge of nature reserves, in woodland or  
organic orchards etc.  None of the sites complies with the SA standards and  I 
can't think of any sites in England that would comply.
 
Chris

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