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What should I avoid if I’d like to get my mushroom operation CNG certified?
You’ll want to be very careful about your choice of substrate; it can’t include byproducts of genetically engineered agricultural crops (like most cottonseed hulls and soy meal). You’ll need to […]
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Why separate standards?
Mushrooms are not grown in soil and behave differently than plants. Separate standards were needed to provide more meaningful guidance for production of this distinct type of crop.
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What is aquaponics?
Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish or other aquatic animals) with hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a bacteria-mediated symbiotic, closed-loop, system. The waste produced by aquatic animals is converted by beneficial […]
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How can I tell if my feed qualifies?
If your feed is certified organic, then it meets CNG standards. If your livestock are pasture-raised and don’t receive supplemental feed then you’re probably good to go, so long as […]
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Will my non-GMO feed meet CNG requirements?
It is not sufficient for the feed to be non-GMO. That’s important, but the feed ALSO must be grown without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. If your feed is marketed as […]
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Can I certify some but not all the livestock on my farm?
Yes, just be clear on your application about which animals you’re wanting to get certified, and which will be excluded from certification. You will need to submit a feed declaration […]
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I just started keeping bees. Can I get my apiary CNG certified?
No matter how enthusiastic a beginning beekeeper may be about using natural practices, the learning curve is very steep. We don’t accept applications from beekeepers with less than one year […]
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How can you be sure the honey bees only touch organic land and crops?
You can’t! That’s why the management practices of beekeepers is so important.
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There aren’t any CNG beekeepers near me. Can I participate? How would I get inspected?
While we recommend you rely on a CNG beekeeper if you can, it often isn’t possible to find one within an hour’s drive. So instead you may rely on a […]
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Are beekeepers required to pay the full certification dues if it’s just a small operation?
There is no minimum dues requirement for apiary certification. We recommend $200 per year for those who can afford it, but we only require that each CNG beekeeper give some amount, as they […]
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I grow microgreens. What do I need to know?
Please review our Top Tips for Microgreens Growers page. If you have any questions or concerns, please email certification@naturallygrown.org
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I’m a flower grower. What do I need to know?
Please review our Considerations for Flower Growers documentation. If you have any questions or concerns, please email certification@naturallygrown.org
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Can I certify some but not all of my crops?
While most of our certified producers have their entire operation certified, there are some situations where a farmer hasn’t managed to grow certain crops according to CNG standards (stone fruits […]
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When should I apply?
We accept applications throughout the year. If you are new to farming, or newly committed to farming without synthetic inputs, then we ask that you not apply until you have […]
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What are the reasons farmers get CNG certified?
Some farmers join for the the marketing advantages of being a part of a recognized national organization. Other farmers are drawn to opportunities to network with and get feedback from […]
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So how is CNG different than Certified Organic?
CNG is a private non-profit organization that’s not affiliated with the USDA’s National Organic Program. CNG’s certification approach is based on the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) model that relies on peer […]
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Why create a whole separate program?
Certified Naturally Grown provides a much-needed complement to the National Organic program. While the NOP is an important program that primarily serves medium and large-scale agricultural operations, CNG is tailored […]
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Is your program for farmers who are ‘almost organic,’ but don’t qualify for the USDA Organic Certification?
No! CNG participation requires a full commitment to robust organic practices. Our standards for produce and livestock certification are based on the standards of the National Organic Program. We developed from […]
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What does “Certified Naturally Grown” mean?
CNG farmers don’t use any synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. CNG livestock are raised mostly on pasture and with space for freedom of movement. Feed must be […]
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What is PGS?
Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) are locally-focused quality assurance systems. They certify producers based on active participation of stakeholders and are built on a foundation of trust, social networks and knowledge exchange. Certified Naturally […]
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What if I read all this and I still have a question?
Please click the orange button at top of this page that says “Get in Touch“!
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How can I find CNG farms near me?
Just visit our online listing of CNG members. Click the state name to see all farms in your state, or do a search by zip code to find farms within a […]
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What steps help ensure that participating farms adhere to CNG standards?
Every certified member must complete an online application. That is reviewed by CNG staff. Once accepted, it’s posted on their online profile for the public to see. The annual peer-review […]
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What are the program requirements if my application is approved?
There are three core requirements that must be completed annually: the signed Declaration, membership dues, and the on-site inspection. There is also a “work requirement”; each member must conduct an […]
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I’m interested in certification for my mushroom and/or aquaponics operation. Can I join CNG?
Yes! We launched our aquaponic and mushroom certification programs in 2016. Be sure to review the standards and register for updates on our Mushroom and Aquaponics pages.
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I’m a farmer and this all sounds pretty good to me. How do I get started?
Please review the Certification Types page/s that apply to you. If your practices seem like a good fit, then apply online. You can expect to hear back from us within two weeks.
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How much does it cost to be a Certified Naturally Grown farmer or beekeeper?
We recommend $200 or more per year, but members have the option to pay less. We offer several payment plans to make it easier to pay the recommended $200 over […]
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Would participation in the CNG program give me permission to use the word organic to describe my farming operation and products?
No. To market your farm products as organic without breaking the law, you’ll need to be certified by an agency that is accredited by USDA’s National Organic Program. Certified Naturally […]
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How should I decide whether to have my farm certified organic or Certified Naturally Grown?
The CNG label is most useful for producers who market directly, through CSAs, farmers markets, and local food businesses. If you’re planning to sell to large retail outlets or wholesalers, […]