"We have an independent local lab that has worked with us for the last 10 years doing our testing. Having a long history of testing is a good selling point."

Michael Earley, farmer and marketing director of Rago Italy. Click the logo to visit Michael's site.

"More and more I want to have the scientific proof that my soil has been analyzed and it’s really NOT chemicalized in any way. Without testing people will become more and more suspicious about what a label that says “certified organic” really means."

Steve Cipes, Owner and Founder of Summerhill. Click the logo to visit Steve's site.

“16 years ago, I began to teach organic horticulture. I took IOIA training in 1997 and inspect coconut, cacao, cashew and herbs processing. I support your opinion on the need for field testing.”

See Dr. Cheng's IOIA organic inspector profile by clicking here.

"We're being treated like we're doing something wrong with all of this useless paperwork. How do we know the paperwork from every organic farmer is an honest reflection of everything that really goes on at the farm? And what about "organic" stuff from China? Can we really trust them?

"I support random organic testing, but I know my certifier and my broker DON'T support it so I'll just have to keep my mouth shut for now."

"We are tested. We send in soil samples, have our irrigation water tested, and have the Verification Officer visit the farm on two occasions, once announced and once unannounced.

"Your questions are really important, and as we all eat, people should really care about where it comes from, and the integrity of the producers."