Peer Inspections in a Pandemic
Flashback to another time (Autumn, 2019): Two farmers inside a tunnel completing a peer inspection, without masks
When we asked the Certified Naturally Grown membership how we could better support them during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the number one request was for flexibility with CNG's peer inspection requirement. People were concerned about the health risks posed by such a contagious virus. We wanted to help keep our members healthy, so we've granted flexibility with inspection deadlines as a stopgap solution.
But for the long run, it was important to investigate alternative, safe approaches to conducting peer inspections - ones that would protect the health and safety of our members. It seemed very unlikely the pandemic would just disappear in a few months. So we began to explore the option to conduct remote inspections via video call, where the farmer receiving the inspection gives a live virtual tour of their farm and fields questions from their peer inspector who is at another location.
Read moreNew Safety Signs for the Farmers' Market
Keeping safe at the market calls for new practices, and new signs. So we made a few!
These signs cost only $1 each.
CNG producers may order these signs in the CNG store. Note that (as always) you'll need to be logged in to your certification account to see marketing items like these, since they are only available to Certified Naturally Grown producers, not the general public.
The idea for this helpful new CNG perk came from one of CNG's newest members: Sarah Turkus of Flower Hill at Osamequin Farm, CNG since April 2020. Thank you Sarah!
If your farm isn't yet Certified Naturally Grown, we encourage you to consider joining CNG today. Together we're stronger!