Compost Teas: 24 hour, EM, IM, BD & fermented plant extracts

[Jim Fullmer <jfullmer AT peak.org>]

6/20/02
Hello,
I am Biodynamic farmer and consultant [ mostly vineyards] that has
worked with compost teas for many years. I ask the NOSB to please be
rational when imposing regulation on the use of compost teas.

First, and most important is they work for the control of powdery mildew
and botrytis in wine grapes. This is an amazing tool for organic
agriculture that is environmentally positve. Copper and the huge amount
of sulfur that is used in vitaculture is destructive to the microbial
and biological diversity of a vineyard. Those of us that have been
engaged with organics for some time all realize the importance of
biological diversity. Pest control based on that is FOUNDATIONAL to
organic agriculture [ at least as it was originally intended]. If we
have a tool that fosters this principle it is insane to blindly pull it
away.

Second, as has been taken up numerous times it all boils down to the
COMPOST. It has to be made properly. it is very true that if you make a
brew with a funky mesh of organic materials you are asking for trouble,
not only in the form of human pathogens but also in the form of crop and
soil damage.

Third. I understand the NOSB's concern about pathogens in organic
agriculture as one public episode could be devastating but please do not
act out of FEAR. Fear just leads to more fear and a very weak
foundation. If it is done right, and it can be and is done, there is no
reason for fear. DO NOT TAKE THIS TOOL AWAY BECAUSE SOME DO IT
INCORRECTLY OR THE INTIAL SCIENCE ON THE MATTER IS MISLEAD.
Organic agriculture is NOT STERILE my freinds. If you start acting on
fear of microbes the whole thing is doomed because the whole practice [
organic farming] is based on promoting microbes. BE CAREFUL.

Fourth relates directly to vineayards. Organic wine grapes are made into
alcohol. The finished product , wine, is not going to have any ecoli in
it as it will not survive the alcohol or the assault from the
fermentatuion. If you must implement a broad regulation please consider
an exemption for wine made with organic grapes.