> For those of us who don't or can't grow their own, I have a question.  What
> is the working definition of "organic"?  I mean, I know what I think it
> should mean, but how is it defined to the produce grower?

Big question.

Lots of different ideas on that.  I have a friend who insists she is
totally organic despite her use of MiracleGro.  Well, she argues, at least
she doesn't use pesticides!

Industrial waste is often sold as "organic compost" because "organic"
technically means that it contains "carbon" which tanin infested wood
chips do, indeed contain.