Each year we get questions aplenty about the CNG seed & transplant requirements:

•        Do I have to use Certified Organic transplants?
  
         Where can I find seeds that meet CNG standards?
  
         Are seed potatoes considered "seeds"?

We've got answers to those questions and more!

Certified Naturally Grown thrives today because of the many hundreds of people who have contributed their time and talent to our grassroots initiative. We depend on the widespread participation of our members and supporters, and on individuals who step forward to assume greater leadership roles. This spring CNG is seeking candidates to serve on the Board of Directors. 

Members of the board help strengthen, guide and support CNG's work. We encourage all interested parties to apply by completing this short questionnaire online by May 9th, 2016.

As we transition to a new year, we thought we'd pause to appreciate some numbers that reflect our work in 2015. 

A couple of these numbers are just for fun, but several are exactly what we were working toward. Read on see why we're feeling pretty good about the progress we all made in 2015.

We are pleased to announce that we have published the CNG Aquaponics Certification Standards. This is the main component of our new certification program for aquaponics producers. 

This new program will promote best practices in ecological aquaponic food production. We expect to launch it by the end of January, 2016. To be sure you're notified directly when we begin accepting applications, please register for updates on our Aquaponics page.

We all know not to judge a book by it's cover, but when it comes to the competitive market of packaged foods and wellness products, the label can make all the difference. 

First off, we want to give a HUGE THANKS to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on our Draft Aquaponics Standards. The feedback we received was very positive overall, so we felt encouraged that we were on the right track. Perhaps more importantly, there were several areas where you helped us strengthen and clarify our standards, including the use of IBC totes, compost, and soil; water flow requirements; and eligibility criteria for inspectors, among several others.

Our Draft Mushroom Standards have been posted for public review. Please take a look and tell us what you think! Find them at: CNGfarming.org/mushrooms

As a farmer, you're fortunate to have amazing visual content before you, from sunrise to sundown. Every day, you greet nature's most beautiful scenes: hillside pastures, chickens pecking, wildflowers blossoming, and at this time of year, striped and speckled squashes of all kinds.

Not everyone lives the farming life, so take out your smartphone and share these scenes! Your friends and customers will appreciate knowing more about the story of your farm and the food they eat. You don't have to have a "good eye," just take advantage of that natural light, your farm's natural beauty, and get inspired by the CNG farmers below!

View of the Appalachians at Endless Mountains Farmstead