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We have news about our new Handbook for Natural Beekeeping with updated apiary standards, a special gift for new Friends of CNG, a fresh crop of Local Coordinators, and a call for photos of farmers. Enjoy!
Handbook for Beekeeping, 3rd Edition
Many beekeepers turn to CNG's apiary certification standards for guidance on natural beekeeping. This spring we published the Handbook for Natural Beekeeping, 3rd Edition, a handy booklet presenting these standards, including the latest updates.
The updated standards include new guidelines for treatment of Varroa Mites. In particular, they allow a beekeeper to treat the entire apiary without determining that each individual colony within the apiary has surpassed the treatment threshold.
CNG standards require that beekeepers keep the treatments to the minimum number required to be effective, using only allowed treatments. We recommend the use of vaporized oxalic acid when little to no brood is present.
Find details on these and other updates to CNG Apiary Standards on this page. You may order copies of the handbook in the CNG Store.
Special Gift For Friends of CNG
Our work is powered by farmers, and greatly enhanced by Friends of CNG. We're offering a special gift for Friends of CNG who help us replenish CNG's Scholarship Fund with a contribution of any amount.
Become a Friend with a one-time contribution and we'll send you our new "Grow Different" bumper sticker. Or sign up for a recurring monthly contribution and we'll send you four gifts: an embroidered patch, plus our three stickers - Eat Real Food, Who's Your Farmer? and Grow Different.
Please be a Friend of CNG and help us include more farmers in our programs.
All Friends' contributions in June and July will go toward our Scholarship Fund, which helps cover certification costs for beginning farmers and those facing unusual hardships (as extreme weather, crop loss, or high medical expenses). Nearly 100 farmers have received Scholarships since 2012!
New Banners & Logos for Farmers
If you have a design need, our in-house designer and marketing coordinator can help you out! Whether it's a banner, a brochure, jar label, or a business card, Aly has the chops to make you shine at the market.
To get started, just send her a note at alymiller@naturallygrown.org.
Local Coordinators Take on Their New Role
Last year we announced a new way to participate in CNG: being a Local Coordinator. We are pleased to announce our first crop have been trained and have begun their work facilitating CNG's peer-inspection process. Please join us in thanking these Local Coordinators!
Indiana: Mike McCoy, Fox Trail Farm (northern)
North Carolina: Ben McCann, Goldfinch Gardens (west/northwest)
New York: Adina Bialas, J&A Farm (lower Hudson Valley)
Michigan: Dick Divelbiss, R & B Farm (southwest, thumb); John Ward, Ward Vegetables (Big Rapids & Grand Rapids areas)
Georgia: Laurie Ritchie, J and L Farm & Stables (Augusta area); Ann Seigies, Bramberi Farm and Gardens (northeast)
Colorado: Kate Darlington
Ohio: Lee and Jennifer Ruff, End of the Road Farm
We continue to receive applications for Local Coordinators in these and other states. Interested? Let us know here. Thanks!
Congratulations to Our Newly Certified Members:
We are delighted to recognize the 74 farmers and beekeepers who have completed all the requirements for CNG certification since mid February. Find the newly certified members listed below alphabetically by state and province.
To find a list of all the CNG producers in your area, visit our searchable map here. Want to get your farm listed? Get Certified!
Calvert Enterprises, AR |
W & T Farms, MO |