i have noticed a general lack of knowledge on this board when it comes to the natural and organic food market. Instead of serious discussion on topics like artisinal and organic honey the ignorance of the market potential is displayed by poking fun at small details that are apperently not understood. Before the US government got involved in the oversight of the organic standards, the 2 or 3 large organic certification houses in the USA published guidelines and certified beekeepers as organic ( and still do). The fact that the US government has not included honey in the newer regs does not change the market realities. Many consumers are aware of the independent certification houses and value the name recognittion that they carry. With the advent of large multinational companies moving into the organic food production and distribution markets, many consumers are rightly suspect of these corporations influence in Washington on changes proposed to the organic standards. This is big money! There are places in the lower 48 where organic production could be certified, mostly in the western and northern regions. Its ironic as the wholesale market for honey has slowly collasped that many beekeepers have not recognized that the natural and organic food sections in most grocery stores including Walmart and Target are rapidly expanding and offers numerous opportunities for beekeepers to get $5-$10 per pound for their honey. Yes beleive it or not I do care what my customers think about the ethics and practices I use in the keeping of my hives. They pay me well and I can lavish my bees with money and time that the commercial folks can only imagine as they chase small margins or the goldrush in California. -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---