Certified Naturally Grown

Certified Naturally Grown

Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) is a grassroots alternative to the USDA Organic certification program. It was established in 2002 by a group of farmers who wanted to create a more affordable and accessible certification option for small-scale, direct-market farmers and beekeepers.

History

Certified Naturally Grown was founded as a response to the increasing costs and bureaucratic hurdles associated with the USDA Organic certification. Many small-scale farmers and beekeepers found it difficult to afford the fees and paperwork required for USDA Organic certification, which was primarily designed for larger-scale operations.

In order to address this issue, a group of farmers came together to create Certified Naturally Grown. The program was designed to provide a more affordable and streamlined certification process, while still maintaining high standards for organic practices.

Certification Process

Certified Naturally Grown has a rigorous certification process that ensures farmers and beekeepers meet specific standards for organic production. The certification process includes an application, an on-site inspection, and an annual renewal.

To become certified, farmers and beekeepers must adhere to the following standards:

• No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers: Certified Naturally Grown prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals in farming and beekeeping practices. Instead, farmers and beekeepers must rely on organic and natural methods to control pests and enhance soil fertility.

• No genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Certified Naturally Grown requires that farmers and beekeepers do not use genetically modified organisms in their operations. This helps to ensure the integrity of the organic products produced.

• Animal welfare: Certified Naturally Grown places a strong emphasis on animal welfare. Farmers and beekeepers must provide their animals with access to pasture or outdoor space, and they must not use hormones or antibiotics unless medically necessary.

Benefits of Certification

Certified Naturally Grown offers several benefits to farmers, beekeepers, and consumers:

• Affordability: The certification fees for Certified Naturally Grown are significantly lower than those for USDA Organic certification. This makes it more accessible for small-scale farmers and beekeepers who may have limited financial resources.

• Community support: Certified Naturally Grown is a grassroots organization that fosters a sense of community among its members. Farmers and beekeepers can connect with each other, share knowledge and resources, and support one another in their organic farming endeavors.

• Consumer trust: The Certified Naturally Grown label provides consumers with assurance that the products they are purchasing are produced using organic and sustainable practices. This helps to build trust between farmers, beekeepers, and consumers.

See Also

• Organic farming
• USDA Organic certification
• Sustainable agriculture

External Links

• Certified Naturally Grown Official Website