Though Allison and Daniel both grew up on farms and went to school for agriculture, they still face the same challenges any young farmers face: having enough capital, being taken seriously by the older generation, balancing off-farm jobs until they can afford to farm full-time.

But with their skills, grit, and faith, along with a good measure of support of their family and community, you get the real sense that they're going to make their farm dreams a reality.  

Don Studinsky started his apiary only four years ago and - if you'll excuse the pun - he's been busy as a bee ever since. Not only do his 24 hives keep him busy, but he also runs a beekeeping mentor program, collects swarms, consults, provides pollination services, and performs extractions.

Karen Morss is an orchardess with an incredible story -- it includes more than 2 decades in the computer industry, starting a flight school, writing children's books, and more.

Nowadays, her story also includes tending her Meyer lemon orchard in Emerald Hills, California, not too far from San Francisco. We'll let her tell the rest. 

Since CNG was founded, many people have expressed their enthusiasm for what we do. But until now, we haven't offered a way for people be a part of CNG unless they were in need of certification.

This fall, for the first time, all our supporters can be a part of our grassroots initiative as Friends of CNG by giving $15 or more. Friends of CNG will be among the first to be invited to upcoming gatherings, and they'll be informed of other ways to get involved in CNG as local leaders.

Today, we're delighted to feature Jenny and Chris Jackson the pair behind Jenny Jack Sun Farm.

We'll let them do the talking. 

At the CNG office, we often hear from people who are enthusiastic about aquaponic and hydroponic (A/H) food production. (What’s this? See below.*) They want to know whether CNG would certify their operations.

New Board of Directors 
We're thrilled to introduce you to the new board! They hail from all parts of the country - Washington, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina - and have an impressive array of experience. Welcome to Bob Redmond, Elizabeth Weller, Christina Hylton, and welcome back Alex Rilko, Gina Collins and Chip Hope! Check out their bios here.  

Todd Stadtlander has worked at the Food Conspiracy Co-op in Tuscon, AZ for 9 years, 7 of those as Produce Manager. When he started at the Co-op, he was pretty green about co-ops, sustainable production practices, and GMOs despite his 12 years of experience at a large chain grocery store. 

Below, Todd describes how the Co-op and its members have changed his relationship to food, why Certified Naturally Grown is a good fit for the local growers he works with, and what's so dang special about co-ops. 

Meet Juan Raygoza. He and his family have worked hard to create Terra Preta Farm in deep southern Texas - -balancing other jobs and staying up to the wee hours of Saturday morning prepping for market. 

And their hard work is paying off.  Besides building a loyal customer base and grown some fine produce, this year they took a big step towards fulfilling their farm dream and are growing on land they can call their own. 

Aaron and Katie, the dynamic duo behind Full Earth Farm, both explored other professions before farming. The list includes barista, baker, bike mechanic, animator, photographer and I even skipped some!

Then five years ago they took a leap together and started farming land in Katie's family. From the looks of it - their smiles, their gorgeous veggies and their happy customers - things are going pretty well.