> Your list makes sense but TOTALLY UNINFORCABLE. The whole concept is on
the
> honor system.
>
> The organic food business which Rodale started has climbed from a small
> farmer doing things correctly to a huge industry (9 billion last year)
with
> no policing using the organic food label.
>
> Just because a farmer puts up a cardboard sign that says "no sprays" or
> "organic" does not make it so!
>
> Bob
>
> ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Not entirely accurate.  In order to qualify for "organic" status (at least
in Vermont), one needs to register with a certification organization, such
as NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmer's Association).  Rigid guidelines are
followed, and my understanding is that farm inspections are known to happen.

Bob is correct about the honor system, but that applies to ALL who engage in
any business enterprise.  If I, as a sign maker, claim to use a particular
material, and charge a premium price for it, I'd better make damn sure I do
as I claim.  If anyone finds out otherwise, my business integrity AND
reputation is in the dumpster.  This is basic business ethics, plain and
simple.

It also seems to me that, similar to organic certification organizations out
there, there exists a service niche for purity testing of food products.  In
the context of honey, a number of contaminants could be screened, ranging
from the obvious (apistan/coumaphos, to environmental toxins such as
ethylene glycol, pesticides, etc.  Honey producers could voluntarily submit
a cross section of their product for testing, and recieve a
report/certification.  Obviously, guidelines would need to be in place to
avoid "cherry picking" of one's product for testing.

In short, just because there is not currently a system in place to verify
purity or methods does not mean that it cannot be done.

Regards,

Todd.

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