I am working on a beekeeping project in Eastern Europe in which we have 
sponsored organic certification for approximately 2000 beekeepers.  I have 
run cost of production analysis on the organic and conventional beekeepers 
in the project and though the organic production costs are slightly 
higher, the returns justify the expense and the bees appear to be 
healthier.

I just returned from Biofach 2006 - THE organic trade fair in Europe - in 
Nuremburg Germany, and I must say that organics have arrived in Europe.  
Biofach was huge, with any organic food product imaginable (including 
clothes), and the people displaying and attending were all about 
business.  We were able to negotiate contracts for selling organic acacia 
and linden honey for a 30% premium over conventional honey.

I heard a presentation at the ABF meeting in Louisville characterizing the 
European organic system (regarding honey) as being driven by residue 
analysis, not record keeping and certification.  The speaker was 
misinformed.  The organic beekeepers we work with keep extensive hive 
records and go through annual inspections by the certifying agency.  The 
buyer that purchased organic honey from our clients at Biofach had run the 
honey through a lab, but only for physical and chemical analysis - they 
trusted the certification program.

I think the European food market is much more sophisticated than the U.S. 
food market and organic honey is being produced and sold in Europe.  It is 
difficult to say if the organic program is sustainable, but if the price 
holds up and the bees (and beekeepers) continue to look good, it is hard 
to argue with success.

Bill Lord
Louisburg, NC

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