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 *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Access BEE-L directly at: http://community.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-LSOFTDONATIONS.exe?A0=BEE-L