The garden chemical industry is in the midst of some considerable angst over what constitutes a "Certified" organic pest control product. As the consumer conscience becomes more exposed to sustainable products, carbon footprints and the like, chemical manufacturers struggle to imply that their product is certified by some agency or other, therefore making it better than the rest.
The truth is that although there are as many ways to state "Organic" or "Natural" on a pesticide label as there are bugs in your garden, there is no standard certification program which really tells the consumer what she wants to know.
In a larger sense though, the certification mess and the emergence of questionable certification organizations does not address one of the key truths in the lawn and garden chemical industry. That is that the terms Organic, Natural, or other adjectives like them DO NOT mean that the product is SAFE unless the user follows the directions on the label. This is also true for synthetic products. The perception that Organic or Natural products are safe or safer than their synthetic counterparts, or that their use somehow minimizes the risk of over application or will result in a more flavorful result just does not hold water. What IS true is that the more manufacturers add to the noise around this issue, the less clear the choices become to consumers.
Have you wondered why retail giants such as Home Depot and Lowes don't pay more attention to the organic section of the lawn and garden department? It's because there is no sure means to untangle the consumer confusion. In addition, although organic gardening gets about 80% of the press, it only represents about 5% of the business.
At the present time, consumers would be wise to think of an "Organic" pest control product as a marketing device and not necessarily as a boon to the environment. Organics have been around for a long time and have not moved the environmental needle yet.
SG
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