Southern Pine Farm Produce & Flowers Application

Application Date:

City: Greensboro, GA

Please briefly tell us why you are applying to be part of the Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) program:
Over the course of our four years in farming we have come to realize the impact in sustainable farm practices. We feel we have a shared value with farms that are Certified Naturally Grown.

Are you currently third-party-certified for your produce operation by any other organization (Organic, Biodynamic, etc.)?
No
If yes, please note which certification and agency:

Have you held any certification/s in the past that you don't currently hold?  No
Note which agencies and dates:

Have you ever been denied certification? No
If yes, please note which agencies, and reasons for denial:

How long have you been growing and selling your products?
Southern Pine Farm started in 2020 as a pasture raised chicken egg operation and we quickly decided to incorporate a no till market garden. This will be our fourth growing season.
How did you learn to farm? What has prepared you to farm successfully according to CNG standards?
We are self taught farmers getting most of our information from books, YouTube tutorials and educational videos from farmers like Joe Salatin, MIgardener, Richard Perkins, and No Till Growers.
Total number of acres you want listed as CNG: 1
Do you have other acreage in "Conventional" Agricultural Systems? No
How many acres are in conventional agriculture?
List what you are growing conventionally and explain why these crops are excluded from certification.

General Listed Acreage Breakdown

Of the acreage that you want listed as CNG, list the number of acres you have in each crop category.

Vegetables: 0
Fruit:
Cut Flowers: 0
Hay:
Grains:
Dry Beans:
Sugarbush:
Other Acreage:

Specify other items:

Specify other primary crop:
Specify any other items you'd like listed as CNG:
List any crops you grow that will not be listed as CNG, and explain why you’re not seeking to certify them.

Specify other markets:

Farmland Management & Practices

Describe how you prepare your ground for planting.
Our stages are as followed: 1. tarp bed blocks with silage tarp for at least four to five months to kill Bermuda grass. 2. Once tarp is removed we add a layer of compost. 3. Broad fork each row 4. Tilth rows as needed 5. Add amendments as needed. 6. Direct seed or transplant.
Do you use Cover Crops? Yes
List the cover crop species you use:
We use clover, rye grass and hairy vetch.
Do you use Compost? Yes

Describe your on-farm composting process.

Describe how you verify with your supplier that their compost is properly composted and does not contain prohibited ingredients like biosolids. The compost is tested and results are posted on their site.
Describe your "other" source of compost.
List your compost application rates. Give a specific amount or range. 1 to 2 inches deep
Do you use Manure? Yes
List your general manure sources: Rabbit manure. Applied according to 90/120 rule.
Please list application rates. Give a specific amount or range. about a five gallon bucket per row (55ft)
What time of year do you apply the manure? We are year round growers so it's subjective to what we're planting that time of year. We don't add it to every row each time we plant, only as needed.
Do you apply any manure within 120 days of edible crop harvesting? No
Please list any other brought in fertility sources that you use (rock powders, lime, alfalfa meal, fertilizer mixes, etc.) For each product, list the full name, manufacturer, and OMRI status. Currently none, but we are working with an agronomist this spring.
How do you decide which inputs (fertilizers, pest/disease control products, etc.) to use on your farm? How will you determine if an input is allowed for use in CNG production? When looking at which inputs to use on our farm we would reference OMRI lists and other CNG farmers.
Have any chemical fertilizers been applied to the fields you are seeking Certification for in the last three years (36 months)? No
According to CNG guidelines, it is acceptable to apply OMRI-listed, chelated synthetic fertilizers to correct specific micronutrient imbalances only if micronutrient deficiency is documented in a recent soil or tissue test. Does the application of this fertilizer meet those requirements?
Specify types, amounts and application dates:
Have any non-acceptable pesticides and/or herbicides been applied to these fields in the last three years?No
If yes, then please specify type and most recent application date:
Do you use Professional Soil Testing services? Yes
In detail, describe your primary weed problems AND methods of control. Do not answer "none". You MUST indicate either actual weed challenges and/or LIKELY challenges, and you must ALSO indicate how you manage (or would manage) them. If you indicate a product, also specify how often it's used.
Our most common weeds are crab grass and nut grass. We do light cultivation to control it.
In detail, describe your primary insect challenges AND methods of control. Do not answer "none". You MUST indicate either actual pest challenges and/or LIKELY challenges, and you must ALSO indicate how you manage (or would manage) them. If you indicate a product, also specify how often it's used.
During the winter growing season it would be aphids, which are controlled by diatomaceous earth. This is used twice a year During the summer growing season it's horn worms, which is controlled by spring B.T spray. The spray is used twice a year.
In detail, describe your primary disease challenges AND methods of control. Do not answer "none". You MUST indicate either actual disease challenges and/or LIKELY challenges, and you must ALSO indicate how you manage (or would manage) them. If you indicate a product, also specify how often it's used.
We have a little bit of blight, but nothing that has been cause for concern. Aside from that we haven't had any disease challenges.
Please list any weed, pest, or disease products that you use (insecticidal soap, horticultural vinegar, copper, etc.). For each product, list the full name, manufacturer, and OMRI status. BT spray - Dipel, DF, bacillus, thuringienis, OMRI - lists it as an organic application.
Please list the water source you use for crop irrigation. If source is public river, pond or lake, please note the name: Water source is from our well.
Are there any known contaminants in the irrigation water? No
If yes, please explain:

Microgreens & Sprouts

Please fill this out for your indoor operation only.

Provide a brief description of your operation. (square footage? in a greenhouse or other indoor setting? etc.)
All microgreens are grown indoors on racks using grow lights.
Are any of your crops sprouted and/or grown without soil or substrate? Use the link below to view our guidance on sprouts vs. microgreens. No
For sprouts, we require that all seeds are organic or CNG. If you grow or decide to grow sprouts, will you purchase only organic and/or CNG seed for your sprout crop? Yes
What media are you using to grow your microgreens and/or sprouts? 

If you purchase potting mix or soilless media, list the product name, manufacturer, and OMRI status. If you make your own, list the ingredients.
Pro mix MP, OMRI lists as organic
Describe the mats or other substrate you are using. Provide product names.

What type of trays are you using in your operation? Bootstrap Farmer's shallow 1in trays
What is your general irrigation set-up? Does water recirculate? What is the source of the water?
We used well water. Water does not circulate. We have solid trays filled with water which is placed underneath each tray of growing microgreens.
Although pests and disease are certainly less common for microgreens operations, there are still issues such as fungal gnats and damping off. What measures do you use to prevent pest and disease pressures?
We haven't had any issues with pests such as fungal gnats, but a little with damping off. To help prevent damping off we ensure the soil isn't too moist and gets proper air flow.
How do you dispose of spent soil? Do you compost?
We dispose of the spent soil in our worm bin.
Is your operation fully indoors? Yes
Are you growing any crops outside in the soil? No

Maple

Are you a maple producer who seeks to certify your sugarbush?
Maple sap is considered a wild crop. CNG's Wild Crop Harvesting Standard states that wild crop must be harvested in a manner that ensures that such harvesting or gathering will not be destructive to the environment and will sustain the growth and production of the wild crop. Please briefly describe any steps you take to protect and ensure the sustainability of your sugarbush.

Do you use an organic de-foamer? custom_field:pf_dump_nearby$$
Over-tapping trees can stunt their growth. Do you (or will you) adhere to the Cornell Sugar Maple Research & Extension Program guidelines which state "trees 10-17 inches in diameter (31-53 inch circumference) should have no more than one tap. A tree 18-24 inches in diameter (57-75 inch circumference) should have no more than two taps. A tree larger than 25 inches in diameter (79-inch circumference) should have no more than three taps."
To maximize tree health and sap production, CNG supports Cornell's recommendation that all taps are 5/16" in diameter or smaller. Is this your practice, and if not, would you be willing to transition to 5/16" (or smaller) taps within the next three years? Please elaborate.

Seeds & Transplants

CNG certification requires the use of certified organic or CNG seeds whenever available. Please indicate the suppliers from which you source (or will source) your seeds. The CNG seed standard also applies to sweet potato slips, seed potatoes, day-neutral strawberry slips, and flower bulbs, corms, and tubers.
All seeds are purchased from MIgardener, Johnny's Seeds, and Eden Brothers.
Please indicate, by typing your initials, that you will as a general rule purchase organically grown seeds, AND that you will only purchase conventional seed when the variety you wish to grow is not available in certified organic or CNG form. For each variety purchased in conventional form, you will identify (and keep records of) at least three commercial organic seed suppliers who do not carry that variety. AMR and JMV
Do you purchase or grow using any Genetically Modified seeds? No
Do you use any chemically treated seeds in your operation? No
If yes, please list types:
Please note reason for purchasing treated seed:

Do you grow your own transplants? Yes
Do you purchase potting soil, or do you mix your own on the farm? use tested compost.
What ingredients does your potting mix contain? If you purchase a mix, please also indicate which product.
NA
Are all of your transplants grown according to CNG standards, without synthetic fertilizers or wetting agents? Yes
If any transplants are not grown according to CNG standards, please list them here. These products may not be marketed as CNG.

Do you source any transplants from off your farm? Yes
From which suppliers do you source transplants?
Asparagus and berries from Ison's Nursery in GA.
How have you confirmed with your supplier that the transplants are grown without synthetic fertilizers or wetting agents?
Please list any bought-in transplants not grown according to CNG standards. This produce may not be sold as Certified Naturally Grown (except, in the case of perennials, after twelve months of CNG cultivation).
asparagus, berries. Planted over a year ago.

Chemical/Spray Drift and Buffers:

Is there any likelihood of Chemical/Spray drift contamination of your fields? No
If yes, please state the source (conventional farm field, golf course, neighbor's lawn, etc.) and any details you can provide (type of pesticide, fertilizer, herbicide used and/or what used for).

Do you have an adequate buffer to protect yourself from potential contamination? Yes
Please refer to the CNG Buffer FAQ below and explain why your buffers are not adequate.
Please describe your buffer. Be as specific as possible and include buffer widths. On all sides, how far is it from your crops to the next closest use (road, conventional crop, residential yard)? Be sure to specify what is grown on neighboring land that is in agricultural use. For example: To the north and east, a wooded area of at least 100 yards separates us from the neighbor's corn fields, to the south is a fallow field at least 100 yards deep separating us from the road, and to the west about 60 feet separates our crops from a field where conventional corn and soybeans are grown.
There is no runoff potential due to topography. We only have one side of our garden that is approximately 250ft from the road. All four sides have a tree line.

Agreements