From dsauter@wvu.edu Sat Mar 6 23:39:44 1999 Date: Sun, 28 Feb 1999 17:44:03 -0500 From: Don T. Sauter To: CSA-L@prairienet.org Subject: ever heard of these certifiers? Hello, I am a little concerned here in West Virginia about something that was sent to all the county extension offices (I got a copy of the mailing via an extension agent)...maybe someone has heard of this outfit. If so, please share your experiences. A company named "Organic Forum International, Inc." located in Ypsilanti, MI says they will take applications for organic certification for $50 + inspector fees + royalties on organic sales. One part of their mission statement says they want to "join established certification organizations together as one...while providing national and international representation for smooth integraton into the world markets." Under "Who is Organic Forum International" they write "...is a movement initiated by several respected members of the organic community. It was founded by Mr. Michael Pratt, former International Certification Coordinator for a major international certification organization.".....Hmmm. Anybody heard of this outfit? I am a member of the state group that certifies organic farms here in WV. Am a bit skeptical of the suggested homogenization/centralization tone of this mailing. They have every right to mail this to all the extension agents, but I just don't want it to undermine the years of work and foundation our little state group has laid. I want to know if their heart is in the right place too. Thanks for any insight about this group. Susan Truxell Sauter ssauter2@wvu.edu