[compost_tea] Re: Re:... soil chemistry facts & USNOP

From: Kirk Leonard <kirk_at_oregonatural.com>
Date: Sat, 11 Sep 2004 10:33:26 -0700
A reply to Lynton and some other perspective for those new to NOP stuff:

> Date: Sat, 11 Sep 2004 09:15:08 +1200
> From: L Blair <rlbct_at_clear.net.nz>
> Subject: Re: Re: Re:... soil chemistry facts & USNOP
>
> Something that occurs to me (without knowing much of the polictics of it,
> etc) is that there could be an intention by some to discredit ACT because
it
> could be perceived as a threat to conventional practices. <

They surely wouldn't say that but I have to believe that's part of what's
going on here.  To me, their actions (and non-actions) reflect an unspoken
recognition of the power and efficacy of tea, and the promise of better
things yet to come, as we learn more.

> For example, the words being used refer to compost tea.
> Well there are two uses for ACT that I know of: application to foliar and
> application to soil.
> Are they trying to make it illegal to make compost tea at all?
> Or is it just the use of it?
> Then, what arguments could be made against its use as a soil drench?
> (The case against foliar has alreadly been aired (and found wanting)). <

At present, NOP does not distinguish between foliar or soil uses, but it
seems clear their problem has to do primarily with foliar ("...you're going
to put that ON the produce...?":).  But if they persist in doing what
they've done and tried to do in the past, ALL forms of compost tea may be
disallowed for certified organic operations and products (not just farms,
also handlers, processors, retailers, etc...).  And since they also make no
distinction (unlike CTTF report) between plant teas or any other kinds of
extracts, I assume all manner of other water-based organic preparations
will be in some jeopardy, as well.

Conceivably, they could simply, selectively disallow foliar uses, though.
Still a major blow against teas, and a primary purpose of ACT.  We should
not let them do that.

NOP cannot make compost tea "illegal" - at least it's hard to figure how
that could happen.  Here is what the impacts will be:  If they disallow tea
it will be denied for certified organic entities - it will not be
organically certifiable.  Clearly, this would simultaneously be a tremendous
gain for chemical marketers (since a primary benefit of ACT is dramatic
reduction in chemical use) and a serious dent in the progress of compost
teas.

Chem-heads will have a legal club to beat up on compost teas in the
marketplace.  Right now it's tough enough having to deal with the chemical
culture and economy that's been created, eh?  Imagine if they had a legal
ruling, too...

Only certified organic operations will be directly affected by a negative
NOP ruling, but clearly, both the industry and progress will suffer as a
result, so we will all pay a price for that.  No one who does not seek
organic certification will be directly affected.  Dissing and disallowing
compost teas are one thing, making them illegal is an entirely different
one, which is not likely to happen.

Thanks Bob for the comments (though I still have a problem with all
CAPS...:).  Anyone so inclined should also send something to
NOSB.crops_at_usda.gov.  Tell them how good you think compost teas are and ask
them why the completed Compost Tea Task Force report is not on the October
NOSB agenda.

Kirk





Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
ADVERTISEMENT
click here


Yahoo! Groups Links

Received on Sat Sep 11 2004 - 14:09:29 EDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.0 : Tue Feb 07 2012 - 14:15:28 EST