His label should be considered just about anything. Since it is not implying being certified, using the label as such indicates something less than the full criteria of being certified. For one producer, this could mean its about the same as organic certification, but I know others that try to skirt around the certification process and use the word organic in many ways, all trying to sound like its organic. It may very well be. But I question anyone using the term without actually being certified. Sometimes its marketing, sometime fluff. Sometimes just B.S.
If the definition, requirements and understanding for certification is that some requirments such as a land use study be accomplished, then how can anyone really say they are "produced organically" if they have not fully fullfilled the requirments. I would easily fail the requirments due to the extensive farming in my area. I think many of those smaller operations who claim exemption from the standards in place, probably would also.
After attending an organic meeting, and knowing that the forage area must be scrutinized, everything placed into the hive such as sugar for feed must come from organic origins, and other requirements, for those sugggesting "organically grown", I doubt some even know what would be involved in producing certified organic honey.
I certainly know many more using the term "organic" in some variation, than those who are actually certified. Each state is different in thier certifying requirements and process. Call the state Agriculture office and get a number to the certifying agency. They should be able to answer it very clearly.
Newtown, your comment hit the answer on the head. Without knowing his bees forage area, how can he, or you, assume that its organic? You can't. I doubt he did his own land use study without it being part of the certifying process.
I also know one nature store that openly admitted to me that they buy honey from Dutch Gold (a rather large packer who brings in foriegn honey) and they repackage it for "local, raw honey". I asked about the "local" part, and he answered by asking "define local?" He did in fact buy it local. But it certainly was not "produced" locally.
I am skeptical of anyone I don't know.
