In article , Franz Heymann
writes
I only commented on the vague
usage of the term "organic" in gardening circles.

The word organic has long been recognised by its practitioners as a less
than satisfactory way of describing horticultural methods of that name.
It originally arose 40/50 years ago from the idea of encouraging and
using micro-organisms as distinct from using inert chemicals instead.
Though times and methods have changed a lot since then, the description
'organic' remains for better or for worse.

The term is not vague though, in fact its definition is protected by
law. Any food to be sold to the public as organic has to comply with
very rigorous regulations and standards. Those have been developed in EU
and they are carefully monitored in all participating countries. The
monitoring body appointed by UK Govt. is UKROFS - United Kingdom
Register of Organic Food Standards, from which certification bodies like
Soil Association and others gain their authority to see that EU organic
regs. are complied with by all in the food chain. Growers are given
certification to use the well known organic symbol on their produce, and
loss of that right can mean loss of their livelihood.

Recreational growers can operate as they please providing they do not
sell produce to the public described as organic. HDRA are the main body
assisting and guiding those who wish to practice recognised organic
methods. They have issued guidelines based on EU regs. where they are
applicable, (i.e. leaving out matters such as marketing, transportation,
packaging, advertising, storage, promotion etc.). For practical
recreational gardening purposes, the question of whether some substance
or method is organic, is defined by the guidelines. In those terms,
substances like Glyphosate, Bordeaux Mixture, Nicotine and many others
are not organic.

This subject is dealt with in detail by the urg FAQ at:
http://www.nugget.demon.co.uk/MetaFA...gardening.html
--
Alan & Joan Gould - North Lincs.