http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/07/29/us-food-organic-idUSTRE56S3ZJ20090729 says there is no added benefit from organic food. Plus, even Consumer Reports finds pesticides in organics. The key, as in all things that border on faith, is personal. If you like to practice organic gardening, as I do, then go for it. Same with organic beekeeping, but the final product is not going to be better than the commercial farmer or beekeeper no matter how pure we feel we are. I would love to change the name "organic" to "No Treatments", because that is what is implied but seldom arrived at. I do not treat my fruits and veggies at all, but I certainly treat my bees. Some who treat their bees say they are organic, because what they use is "natural" to the hive like formic acid. If it is natural, then drink some. Farmers are the same and treat with "organic' pesticides which are more potent than many commercial pesticides. We have been down this path may times, and, as always, it is personal and based somewhat on science, at least for a while. Bill Truesdell Bath, Maine *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm