By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Earth Tools was one of our first Business Allies, and an enthusiastic one, at that!

The Kentucky company is currently the only full-time power equipment dealership in the USA dedicated solely to walk-behind tractors. Plus, Earth Tools is currently the largest walk-behind tractor dealership in North America!

In fact, founder Joel Dufour has been selling and servicing walk-behind tractors since 1977. We caught up with him to learn more about the mission and history of his company, as well as what Certified Naturally Grown means to him.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator


In the early 2000s, Certified Naturally Grown was just a twinkle in the eye of some innovating Hudson Valley farmers. But as Ron and Kate Khosla created an alternative to the National Organic Program's certification, they soon realized they'd need a recognizable logo for their brand new grassroots certification. 

Enter Cecilia Garvin, a member of the Khoslas' CSA and the creator of CNG's vibrant logo.

We caught up with Cecilia after all these years to learn about her inspiration for the imagery that's helped our certification take flight since 2002. Read on to find out what her creation means to her today, and to check out her most recent work.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

The Fertrell Company is one of the oldest organic fertilizer manufacturers in the United States, and a proud Certified Naturally Grown Business Ally!

The company has come a long way since it began in John Johnson's Maryland garage. We spoke with Casey Trinkaus, Marketing Manager, to learn more about Fertrell's rich past and commitment to sustainable agriculture and forward-thinking business structure.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator


IFOAM participants Chris May (New Zealand), Joelle Katto-Angrighetto (Germany), Konrad Hauptfleisch (South Africa), CNG's Alice Varon, and Mathew John (India) at a gathering preceding the IFOAM General Assembly in South Korea, October 2011.

Did you know Certified Naturally Grown's peer-review inspection model is part of a much larger worldwide movement?

CNG is a participatory guarantee system (PGS), in which community stakeholders are active participants, and inspections are typically carried out by other farmers. The PGS model promotes knowledge sharing about best practices and fosters valuable local networks that strengthen the farming community. As a matter of principle, and to encourage participation and growth of the organic movement, the PGS approach minimizes paperwork and keeps certification dues affordable.

PGS are actively recognized and embraced by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, or IFOAM-Organics International. We are proud to announce that CNG's Executive Director, Alice Varon, has been reappointed as the North American representative on IFOAM's PGS Committee!

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. GEMs source from ecologically-minded, CNG-certified growers to make it easier to keep money in the local economy and to promote a stronger food system and healthier community.

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