Certified Naturally Grown isn't just another label. 

We are a grassroots organization. Our funding comes primarily from the farmers and beekeepers who participate in our certification programs. That revenue covers almost all our expenses, but not quite. 

Photo from Oregon City Farmers Market

This fall, we’ve been in conversation with over 50 market managers about what steps they could take to be listed in the Markets Directory that we created in order to feature and thank the markets and grocers that support CNG producers in their area.

Many managers have shared with us that Certified Naturally Grown makes a big difference to their vendors and customers! 

We're pleased to announce that the following twelve farmers markets have recently qualified to be added to our directory:

Whether you’re curious about bees or an experienced beekeeper, these podcasts provide insight for folks at all levels of experience. They cover pollination, bee health and a range of beekeeping approaches. Each show encourages sustainable, DIY techniques that put the health of bees and pollinators first. (Photo above from Jennings Apiary in Ruston, Louisiana)

 Photo from Chris Delaney of Santa Rosa Ranch. 

Consumers are becoming more aware of the ecological impacts of popular holiday traditions like Thanksgiving turkeys, pumpkins, and Christmas Trees. Over the years we’ve been delighted when reporters call us to ask about Certified Naturally Grown Christmas trees. This year, we’re proud to feature two--Licking Creek Bend Farm in Needmore, Pennsylvania and Santa Rosa Ranch in Barriere, British Columbia.

We have news about the markets and food co-ops that prefer CNG, the USDA postponement of the NOP Livestock Standards, our fun new T-shirt designs, and the perks for new members who join CNG in the fall. 

Defenders of the organic program were dealt another blow last Monday when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would postpone - yet again - the implementation of higher animal welfare standards. These improved guidelines were the result of a concerted effort by organic leaders, and followed thousands of public comments demanding tightened standards that would at last put a stop to factory farms taking advantage of the organic label.

Photo by Groezinger Produce Farm in Stockton, Illinois

Fall might not seem the time of year for starting something new, when the last summer crops are harvested and many of us hunker down for winter. But farmers who join CNG at this time have several advantages. They start the busy spring season on the right foot, with their certification in the bag. Plus, our late-fall joiners are considered paid through February of 2019 - what a deal!

The cutest members of our bunch might be new to farming, but before you know it, they’ll be building rich soil and planting seeds. That’s why we’re devoting this blog post to the babies of CNG--the future farmers of the good food movement.

Our 750+ members come from all walks of life. They are a mix of lifelong farmers, veterans, educators, cancer survivors, office workers, nurses, doctors, artisans, and beginning agriculturalists. For the many farmers and beekeepers of Certified Naturally Grown, the decision to renew their CNG certification year after year is rooted in their values, identity, and market needs. 

Many farmers market managers across the country have developed clear guidelines for their vendors, making it easier to promote the market according to a shared set of standards.