The problem is that without certification there's no way to prove that small producers at farmers markets are complying with the "national & labeling requirements" like they're supposed to. Thus, the local farmers markets around here (& I imagine in others) insist that their vendors not use the word "organic" unless they have proof of certification.

I guess one has to check with their market management to see how they handle that.

Pardon, but even with certification, there is no way to prove that one meets NOP (National Organic Program) standards of the USDA unless one survives a careful audit by their certifying agent (often the state dept. of agriculture). Producers grossing less than $5,000 aren't required to hire a certifying agent, or the attendant paperwork, because the cost can be well over $1,000 annually; but are subject to the same -- potentially enormous -- penalties if they violate NOP standards.

In effect, if you say you're "organic" and you're not, you stand to lose a bundle, and I don't care who you are.

Those who declare themselves "Chemical-Free" may be just that, but they're not "Organic" necessarily, because a lot more is involved than chemicals. You must use organic seed if it's available, for example; you must compost animal manure in accordance with NOP rules; and any "input" you use in your farm or gardens must have a stamp of approval from OMRI (the Organic Materials Research Institute).

Period.

And the list goes on.