Eric Brown wrote:
> On the other hand, I know two beekeepers from these parts that went to
> almonds the last couple years, and both of them use "organic" (by OMRI-type 
> standards) mite controls.  One uses an essential oil homebrew, the other 
> used formic.  Neither of them adheres to rigid standards, because neither 
> of them is a pharisee; they're commercial beekeepers, they're practically 
> oriented.
>   
No problem with that and we are in agreement. Commercial organic, except 
in beekeeping, is "practically oriented". It has to be if the 
practitioner is going to earn a living from it. Both would be condemned 
by some in the organic movement.

The standard argument in these threads is always the issue between 
practical and ideal. The idealist paints a picture of pure evil on the 
part of the commercial beekeeper, almost a parody. There are good and 
bad on both sides.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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