On Sun, 22 Oct 2006 08:00:23 -0400, Diotima Booraem 
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Hi Bob,
>
>Thanks for your interesting response about the apples. I do
>understand the need for some sprays, -- I requested, and got, the
>spray schedule for Windy Ridge farms, and will send it to you
>offlist, if you want. They are strictly organic, but they do use some
>sprays that are allowed in organic practice.


The spray schedule means absolutely nothing, why not make 
available their balance sheet at year end? or what about the pack out 
numbers? May I suggest much of it went into cider, sauce,  pies etc. 

As I said in my earlier post, my reply to the  granolas is show me the 
operation that is making money year around (not a sideline business) 
that are growing certified organic apples in the USA. 

I am a strong supporter of organic & sustainable growing, I also need 
to pay my bills. In my operation certified organic does not make any 
economic sense. 

We have the largest concentration of natural food coops in the USA 
here in Mn. We also have one of the largest and oldest farmers 
markets here in Mpls. In addition our Ag program at the U/M is quite 
old and has produced the Honeycrisp apple and numerous other 
research projects. My point is we have the resources , the market and 
the folks interested in growing organic apples and its not happening 
on a large or even small scale that is economically feasible  

Diotima, your comments just do not reflect the harsh economic 
realities I see every day in my business and we have a lot more apple 
growers here in Mn and the upper Midwest then North Carolina. 

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