Steve had a nice, reasoned post on natural vs organic.

The problem is not with the terms but those who profess to follow them. 
There is nothing new here, since when faith is involved, we all have our 
own benchmarks as to what is the true faith.

Technically, organic and natural are defined by what you can legally put 
on a label. The problems arise in the fact that the terms are not as 
stringent or loose as some would want.

For example. Much has been made by some on this list that things like 
pesticides, antibiotics and chemicals cannot be used in organic 
practices. That is not true. hey are allowed in many specific areas of 
the organic world. Some, usually those who do not have to make a living, 
decry their use, but the practical know that those things are needed, 
such as in animal husbandry or farming. So they are approved. There is 
an industry in the production of organic "pest controls" which in any 
other world would be called pesticides. Just they come from "nature" 
whose first name is Ortho and runs a plant in Ohio.

The problem with the honey standard is it was developed here in Maine by 
people who really did not understand bees, but kept them. They are 
probably the most stringent standard for any organic crop. Maine Organic 
Gardner's and Farmer's Association (MOGFA) approved the standards and 
they migrated to the national level. MOGFA is probably one of the 
strongest and listened to national organic organizations. It also is 
pragmatic, since the farmers want to make a living. The problem with the 
beekeeping side is there were and are few organic beekeepers in Maine 
and none were commercial (make a living from it), so the standards stuck 
and continue to be unrealistic (in my opinion). They did fit the 
beekeeper who made them up some ten or more years ago. I doubt if he 
still keeps bees.

So anyone wanting to know if they are organic or natural beekeepers will 
not find the answer here. Too much opinion and faith. Just check what 
you can put on the label, and you are at least blessed by Uncle Sam. He 
even has a website.

Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine

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