Organic?

[shel]

I may have been laboring under a misconception, that CCOF and Oregon Tilth certification meant higher standards than just USDA certified organic. Cruising the CCOF and Oregon Titlh web sites I found nothing to suggest that that is the case. Does anyone know if CCOF, Oregon TIlth, or any other certifying organization adheres to higher standards than USDA?

Shel

[KYHeirloomer]

Oregon Tilth has the most stringent certification rules in North America, Shel. Always had. California runs a fair second.

Indeed, there are many in the organic movement who felt that all the feds had to do was pick up the California rules and be done. But, of course, the giant factory farm "organic divisions" would not have been able to meet those specs. So Monsanto wrote the federal rules instead.

[shel]

Originally Posted by KYHeirloomer

Oregon Tilth has the most stringent certification rules in North America, Shel. Always had. California runs a fair second.

So, are you saying that Oregon Tilth and CCOF adhere to higher standards, or just that they are stricter about enforcing USDA standards. That's the issue for me at this point. In either case, it's an improvement over standardly enforced USDA standards, but I really am looking for higher standards than just USDA, especially USDA produce and goods that come from some other countries.

Shel

[shroomgirl]

the USDA organic standards are the ONLY regs that have a ceiling.....trully bizarre.
KY what do you know about One Cert?
Actually any of the certifiers in the MO/IL midwest area?
Aren't there new programs being written for farmers to inspect each other....but under a new name than organic? Sorry so vague, I'm still waking up and actually caught bits and pieces of the story at one time.
TIA.

[KYHeirloomer]

I'm not familiar with Cert One, Shroom.

In terms of the grass roots program, you're probably thinking of Certified Naturally Grown. It's a great organization---the only one, in fact, that enjoys the Appalachian Heirloom Seed Conservancy's unqualified support.

What it does is provide a realistic certification program; meaningful standards, and a recognizable logo for market growers so they don't have to go through those awkward and, to consumers, suspicious statements like: I grow using organic methods but I'm not certified.

Shel: My underestand is that neither Oregon Tilth nor CCOF have lowered their standards. So if a grower claims certification by either of them they are growing to a higher standard than the federal program.

[shel]

Good Morning (yawn)

I was up earlier and decided to send of a note to the good folks at CCOF and Oregon Tilth to ask about their standards. Maybe they'll respond with something specific and meaningful.

Oregon Tilth and CCOF have - at least to me - a recognizable logo. I often look for it and, depending on the product, make a buying decision based on seeing one or the other.

Shel

[shel]

Originally Posted by KYHeirloomer

I'm not familiar with Cert One, Shroom.

This OneCert International Organic Standards may help.

Shel

[shel]

What about QAI - Quality Assurance International? Know anything about them?

Shel