Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffgrant
I'd actually be quite impressed if anyone could provide an "official" definition of what makes something "organic". That's the biggest issue around here, as the "organic" label has been found to be mostly a marketing scam in a large number of cases.
|
I've spent a bit of time looking into this issue in your neighbourhood.
I think "organic" normally means products grown without the aid of chemical fertilizers or pesticides and, in the case of animals, without the use of hormones or any similar artificial growth aids. That's the minimum standard. Of course with meat there are additional issues relating to the manner in which the animal is kept and what it is fed.
No one really monitors these standards in the absence of clear legislation. However organics have been around for so long that in many markets in North America reliable retailers have emerged that can be trusted to take the organic label seriously. Such retailers purchase their products only from truly organic suppliers, and go to some trouble to review and police such suppliers.
There are many such retailers in Vancouver, but Capers and Choices particularly come to mind as the larger chains.
I agree that this is fertile ground for scammers of every description, and I would certainly not purchase organic products from a retailer I did not know to be reliable.
In short, as consumer, your best bet is to find a reliable retailer that will ensure the suppliers are really providing organic product. I think Capers particularly does a great job in this regard—although of course you will pay a little more for this.