Hi Allan, If you want to be organic I suggest either NASAA or BFA. Growers have told me that BFA is less strict than NASAA. NASAA is accredited with IFOAM; so, if you plan to export you might ( I am not sure if actually) better off to certify with NASAA. If you want to be bio-dynamic you have the choice between BFA or the BDRI. I attach a list with contact names and addresses. Re contacting potential buyers of your produce the answer is a definite 'yes'! There is seasonal oversupply of organic/bd produce. I know citrus growers who had to sell their produce on the conventional market. The same applies to vegetables. Wholesalers need quality and consistency of supply of the right varieties and to contact them before you plant will probably be regarded as an impressive goodwill professional approach. You need to know what (type plus variety), when and how much per week of supply. Also, don't forget to try local consumers. How close are you to a wholesale market? Are you aware of how capital intensive vegetable production is, unless you grow pumpkins? I hope I don't sound too pushy and like a know-all. I work for NRE and talk to a range of growers and get all kinds of feedback. In the end itseems to come down a lot to an individual's situation, location and skills. It's my job to answer questions. So, please, ask, if my replies give you stimulating ideas. Regards and best wishes, Christiane (See attached file: Organic Certification Bodies Contact List.doc) [EMAIL PROTECTED] on 03/07/2002 09:13:11 Please respond to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (bcc: Christiane Jaeger/NRE) Subject: Re: Certification David:Thanks for the advice.Yes I will be contacting a certifying body however which one?.Are they all much of a muchness?. I have spoken to the neighbours and they have said the place has had only horses and cattle on it for the last 7 odd yrs.Before that there was a small dairy. I intend to grow a range of vegetables and citrus which leads me to another question.Should I start contacting agents / merchants for the produce?. Allan Emerton
| David:Thanks for the advice.Yes I will be contacting a certifying body however which one?.Are they all much of a muchness?.
I have spoken to the neighbours and they have said the place has had only horses and cattle on it for the last 7 odd yrs.Before that there was a small dairy. I intend to grow a range of vegetables and citrus which leads me to another question.Should I start contacting agents / merchants for the produce?. Allan Emerton |
Organic Certification Bodies Contact List.doc
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