Organic certification

So I'm trying to decide on this. I don't want to get certified organic. To be honest, I don't like the organic label. However, people listen to it. So if I want to sell my goods do I have to get certified organic to appease the masses?

I tried to search to see if this was already discussed but didn't find anything.

Elle,

You do not want my opinion on this one. Trust me. I've worked way too long in the field. Yes, people respond to labels. PRACTICES are way more important than labels. Labels can be fudged and faked. That's all I've got to say.

Landon Sunrich wrote:Elle,

You do not want my opinion on this one. Trust me. I've worked way too long in the field. Yes, people respond to labels. PRACTICES are way more important than labels. Labels can be fudged and faked. That's all I've got to say.

I have the exact same opinion as you I believe. I'd really rather not go through the process of being certified. However, as you say, people respond to labels and I can't use the organic one unless I'm certified. Or can I?

Here in Europe you can go to jail for selling stuff labled organic if you dont have the cert .
Although I know lots of folks who call their stuff "treatment free" without a cert .
I would be very surprised if the same does not apply where you are

David

I wouldn't try it. I am a known instigator and trouble maker and even I don't try to mess with the federallies like that. No reason to get yourself and your business in trouble. You could try 'Better than organic'

I sold turkeys a few years ago. People asked me if they were organic. I told them I wasn't certified and couldn't call them that. However, I mean really, my turkeys were probably 10x better than anything else you would get. So I find that frustrating I suppose. I'm not sure what to call what I'm selling as I think I'm better than organic for sure.

Actually calling your products " sans treatment" might actually sound very good buisness and exotic very french a good trade name You can freely use this Idea I dont charge

David

Here is what I feel comfortable with CNG (certified naturally grown)

You can apply here - https://www.naturallygrown.org/programs/requirements

It costs much less than Organic Cert, is less political, but still gives your customers some security with what they are purchasing.
Also, if you can put up a website explaining how you do things and why (you know educate the people)
And offer tours of your facilities during certain times or by appointment, this too gives people proof of what they are buying.

I hope this helps

The term "natural" has picked up a bit of a negative connotation over the years, so I wonder how many people see the CNG label and think it's bull.

At the farmer's market people ask if my crops are "organic". My response is one of horror.... "Oh heavens no!!! Organic is a term that is owned by the government, and it has more to do with paperwork than with food safety." People already know the lay of the political landscape, so they grok it immediately. The next question is, "Do you spray your crops?" My response is one of delight, "Never! I will not intentionally poison myself, my farm, or my customers." People are really asking, "Is is safe? What poisons do you apply?"

I use the terms "Naturally Grown", or "No -cides Used", or "No -cides Applied For More Than 6 Years". They are not asking if I sprinkle irrigate...

John Wolfram wrote:The term "natural" has picked up a bit of a negative connotation over the years, so I wonder how many people see the CNG label and think it's bull.

Well the label has their website on it, so a person can go and see for themselves what is involved with the certification process.
It is meaningful, for some, but not for everyone. Small scale productions can just explain things one client at a time.

Many farmers have been using 'naturally raised' over 'organic' for some time now, and people do recognize the distinction. It is not the same thing as throwing the word Natural or Natural Ingredients on a label.