By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Brooks Contractor is so much more than a compost company.

Sure, the North Carolina operation diverts massive amounts of food waste from landfill and creates top notch compost blends, but the business is deeply committed to supporting farmers (and eaters) at all points in the food system. We spoke with Amy Brooks Fulford, Brooks Contractor's Food Waste Collection Manager, to learn more about her mission in North Carolina and beyond.

Plus: do you live in North Carolina and want to learn more about hemp production? Be sure to register for the Industrial Hemp Workshop from 4–9 p.m. on Thursday, February 28 in Pittsboro. Amy will be presenting on growing hemp in poor NC soils! More details can be found here.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator


Peas waiting to be planted with the paper pot transplanter at Patchwork Farm in Copper Hill, VA

You may be wondering: what's the deal with the paper pot transplanter? Is it actually worth the investment? Will it really save my back? And wait a second: if I'm a Certified Naturally Grown farm, can I even use this tool for my crops?!

Certified Naturally Grown will continue to allow the use of paper pot transplanters on CNG operations.

In early 2018, the USDA National Organic Program banned this tool for certified organic operations due to a synthetic binder in the pots. In response to a petition from Small Farm Works, the National Organics Standards Board is reviewing the substances used in paper pots. Meantime, NOP has walked back its original ruling, and is temporarily extending the use of paper pot transplanters in organic system until further notice.

Anna Wilson of Brown Bottle Farm in Mulino, OR is grateful that CNG continues to stand by this tool:

Being able to use the paper pot transplanter and maintain our certification shows us that CNG understands and appreciates farmers. They also see how it can increase yields, cultivate in a variety of locations, and be at the forefront of progressive natural farming practices. I don’t know what we would have done if we were unable to use this tool. It has meant a lot to our small farm.

Don't just take Anna's word on the paper pot transplanter. Read on to learn other farmers' perceived pros (and cons) on this Japanese tool.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Are you curious about new ways to control weeds this upcoming season?

WeedGuardPlus is a biodegradable and water permeable mulch made from cellulose fibers that suppresses weeds, sparing countless hours spent on weed management. We spoke with VP of Sales & Marketing Mike Gallagher to learn about paper innovations in the management of unwanted plants.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator


A winter scene at Enon Valley Garlic, PA

Ah, winter. For many, it's a dreaded time of numb noses, grey skies, and sun lamps.

But for most Certified Naturally Grown farmers who grow primarily in the months of April to November, December through March is a rich time to recharge. The winter months are a respite from the chaos of market season, a rest for weary backs and hamstrings, and a reward for the summertime sunrise-to-sunset (and sometimes longer) workdays.

Read on to learn how we recommend you recharge in this slower season. #1 is guaranteed to make you giggle!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Just like the symbiotic relationship between pollinators and produce, Certified Naturally Grown farmers rely on their local farmers markets, co-ops, and independent grocery stores to support their work.

Our Guide to Exceptional Markets (GEMs) has been a key resource for farmers and markets alike to thrive. Members of this list source from ecologically-minded, CNG-certified growers to make it easier to keep money in the local economy to promote a stronger food system and healthier community.

We have some exciting additions, clarifications, and beautiful badges to make 2019 the most sparkling year for sustainable, local food yet! Keep reading to learn more about what's new and how to get involved.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator



Ohio Earth Food provides organic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and more for ecologically-minded growers. We spoke with Ted Stutz, Owner of Ohio Earth Food, to learn more about this great resource for CNG growers. Ohio and Wisconsin farmers, listen up! Ohio Earth Food offers assistance with soil testing, and can also deliver products to your farm!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

From animal feed to zinc oxide, Seven Springs Organic Farming Supplies has everything you need to prepare for a successful growing season.

The Virginia-based CSA farm and supply source caters to ecological operations of all sizes, and has long been an enthusiastic champion of our certification! We spoke with Crop Adviser Daniel Sweeney about how his work with Seven Springs Organic Farming Supplies supports our network of Certified Naturally Grown farmers. Thanks to the Seven Springs team for taking this all-staff photo exclusively for this blog post!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

It may be January, but June is never far from Certified Naturally Grown farmers' minds! Seed catalogs arrive in mailboxes this time of the year with an anticipated thud, each glossy booklet brimming with jewel-toned possibilities for the growing season ahead.

Harris Seeds Organic's catalog doesn't disappoint (just look at that constellation!), and we're proud to announce that they were among some of the first companies to sign on as a Business Ally of Certified Naturally Grown!

In this month of seed dreaming and crop plan scheming, we interviewed Brand Manager Daniel Eggert about how his work with Harris Seeds Organic supports the nationwide community of CNG growers.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator


Farmers from Raindrop Ridge, Five Apple Farm Honey, and Spruill Farm Conservation Project with CNG's Alice Varon at Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's 2015 Sustainable Agriculture Conference

We can't wait to see you at a number of conferences throughout the US in the next few months!

...and by "we," we mean the CNG community at large.

That's right, local Certified Naturally Grown Ambassadors will be representing our grassroots group at these excellent events. 

We are delighted to be able to tap CNG farmers to enthusiastically stand for our certification at local (but large!) events. This means we can be more efficient as an organization, minimizing travel costs and allowing local folks to dig deeper into their communities to help CNG grow.

Keep reading to learn the whos, whats, wheres, and whens of the 2019 conference season!

Plus: Are you looking to connect with our ambassadors or attend a CNG meetup during the conference? Sign up at the tail end of this post!