>         One would think organic standards would be based on the
> presence or non-presence of some detectable, harmful substance. Not
> based on vague assertions.
> --
> PB
I agree with your conclusions completely. The organic certifications
people are not doing their homework. If there is going to be organic
honey let the beekeepers have a say!
In my organic orchard its simple. No pesticides,fertilizer or herbicides
but those approved for organic use for the last three years. The
inspectors come out each year and collect fees and look around.Mostly
for signs of chemical fertilizer and herbicide use. Being lazy and using
labor saving chemicals has cost many a organic grower his certification!
NOT SO SIMPLE WITH ORGANIC HONEY and i don't think the honor system will
work. I am from Missouri- the show me state. If you are going to use the
organic label and say your honey is some how better than all the rest.
Fine. I have a open mind but you are going to have to prove to me your
honey is chemical free and then if i send my honey to the same lab and
get the same results as you is not mine as good. What if the large
packer sent his to the same lab. Maybe only a sample from one drum out
of a semi load is honey not  as good. I don't think the organic label
should apply to honey and could hurt the industry as a whole by implying
all other honeys are inferior. As you can tell i feel strongly about the
issue and unless others wake up you are going to see and all ready have
organic labeled honey on shelves with only the producers word its
organic and better then yours. I will know get down off my soap box and
wait for the many comments i HOPE i have stired up!
Bob