Certified Organic

[living simple]

Hi all,

My hubby and i are really interested in becoming certified organic. We have 50 acres (with only 2 acres cleared) and we are really only small time hobby farmers. We put in 45-50 fruit trees last winter and are keen to start herbs, chooks, ducks and maybe pigs? I guess i would just like to be known as 'certified organic' for the future possibility of selling some extra produce locally.

Has anyone else gone through this procedure (without being big-time farmers!), and if so, was it worth it - money and time wise?

Thanks in advance everyone,

Cheers
Lyn

[Honeychrome]

I don't know the particulars of how it works in the US (and I definitely don't know how it works in Australia), but there are a number of small producers that feel that at the same time that the definition of 'certified organic' has been diluted (under lobbying pressure from large agribusiness), the proceedures and fees for attaining and keeping the certification have become more difficult and expensive. The label is quickly becoming barely more than a marketing buzz-word for argibusiness. There is at least one small farm in the US that has more or less rejected the 'certified organic' label and coined the term 'tairwa' (a sort of alglicized bastardization of 'terroir'), sort of going beyond organic. It will be interesting to see if/when small producers decide to do the same and adopt a new 'word' for how they produce.

If you are operating small-scale, and can develop a continuous relationship with most of the people you sell to, why bother with the certification? If they know you, know your farm and know how you farm the certification would be unnecessary. I think the certification label is only (marginally) useful in a local- economy sense.

[Honeychrome]

I found the site of the farm that's coined the 'tair-wa' word:

http://www.knollorganics.com

Interesting reading on their site!

[kathleenmc]

Hi perms.....

Here is a group who handle authorising going organic. They come and take soil samples, water samples, etc, look at your work and farming practices to see if you really are running in an organic manner.. It costs a bit and you have to have it done regularly, but it pays off in the long run when you add it to your operating costs and it's a nationwide acceptance of standards.

http://www.nasaa.com.au

[Tezza]

I also beleive that the "Organic" has become,"something else"Unfortunatly Ive become a bit cynical by some organics.They apparently allow Roundup to be used,Well on principle i wont have anything to do with any poisons,herbi/insectisides,never have and never will.

I agree a new name maybe needed,,or as sugested previous, Dont use the word, and rely on goodwill to help promote your produce

Terence

[living simple]

Hi guys,

Thanks for you replies once again. I have been able to get a little bit more info on this topic and realise that it is not too hard to become 'certified organic', other than the cost of $700-$900 per year! I think i will do what 'Terence' and 'Honeychrome' suggests and that is, get to know the locals and my work-mates well!! This seems to be the cheaper and less hassle alternative for me!

Thanks for your input once again,

Cheers
Lyn