Organic certs are quite hard to regulate, hence, questions about whether
organic farmers are truly organic becomes one of trust.  In addition, many
inputs that are classified organic are more toxic to you, your bees and the
environment than commercially developed pesticides.  Certifiers pretty much
set their own standards, being accountable to (mostly) USDA, and you will
find a wide range of requirements, differing significantly from each other
in terms of allowable products used, management of pesticide use (yes,
pesticide use is allowed by some certifiers in specific ways), and in their
ability to inspect each operation to insure compliance.

I agree with Randy about the benefits that are being adopted by regular
farmers, but please remember, many of these practices were developed by our
ancestors and were considered standard operating procedures at that time. 

No farmer I know spends money just for the fun of it.  If an effective
safer/perception of safer alternative is available,  most will adopt it.

You should all read approved products list put out by the certifiying
agencies, it makes for surprising reading!

Jim Smith
Tulelake, CA
State of Jefferson

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