Certified Naturally Grown is developing another set of video lessons for farmers using ecological practices. We seek experienced farmers who are comfortable speaking in front of a camera and working collaboratively to develop a script. 

We seek to hire two or three farmers for this role. They will be filmed by a small crew on their farms as they provide instruction on farming practices that relate to the selected topic(s). Preference will be given to farmers who have earned the Certified Naturally Grown designation, but other farmers with relevant talent and expertise will be seriously considered. More info at CNGfarming.org/jobs

Peer inspections are at the heart of our certification process, and a top reason farmers are drawn to CNG. For several years we have been evolving our distinct approach, to maximize the value it offers.

Last fall we combined two somewhat recent innovations to create a third:            

Observed Inspections (2019)
+
Remote Inspections (2020)
=
Remote Observed Inspections (2021).                 

Our first Remote Observed Inspections (ROIs) were intended to help newer CNG members (observers) learn from more experienced farmers how to conduct a peer-review inspection. They were surprisingly well-received, as we reported here. Yet we also saw how these ROIs could be even more valuable, with a bit more guidance for the Senior Remote Inspectors (SRIs) conducting them. We also realized we'd need many more SRIs in order to host more ROIs, and offer enough observer seats to satisfy interested members. So this winter, we developed a new educational offering. 

CNG's new Peer-Review Training teaches the fundamentals of what it takes to conduct a robust peer-review inspection. At the heart of the training is a two hour class, short videos, and a series of quizzes based on the class and two Study Guides. Farmers who complete these elements may enter the final stage: receiving a practical assessment with individual feedback, observing an ROI, and then ultimately conducting an ROI and debriefing afterwards.

While the training was initially designed for developing Senior Remote Inspectors, the curriculum will be used for the benefit of all CNG producers, and the class will be offered again to a broader swath of the CNG membership later this year. But already we've accomplished so much.

Film Series + Expert Exchange + Discussions

Please join us for this series of six live sessions, guaranteed to boost understanding of best practices for vegetable production according to CNG standards and connect you to our nationwide network of ecological farmers.  

Certified Naturally Grown is pleased to be partnering with Organic Growers School on a multi-year project to offer courses on production methods for ecological farmers. We will have more information to share about that soon. Meanwhile...

We thought many in our community would be interested to learn about their upcoming 7th Annual Harvest Conference. It is being offered online for the first time this September 11 & 12, which makes it easier for all members of the CNG community to participate! Read on to learn more about this and other educational opportunities with Organic Growers School!

Certified Naturally Grown is currently developing online instructional materials and video lessons in partnership with Organic Growers School on Soil Health, Pest & Disease Management, and Weed Management. We seek experienced farmers with a robust understanding of vegetable production practices that work in alignment with ecological principles. Two to five selected farmers will be filmed by a small crew on their farms as they provide instruction on farming practices that relate to the curriculum topic(s).

Please share this post with farmers you know in the United States. We strongly encourage applications from groups that have historically been underrepresented, including but not limited to people of color and women.

This is a paid, temporary, contract position to be carried out this summer.

The deadline to apply is Friday, June 5th.

Unlike other certification programs, Certified Naturally Grown's approach goes beyond enforcing regulations of prohibited substances and practices. We also promote best practices and scale-appropriate methods. We believe collecting and disseminating knowledge is essential to any grassroots movement.

CNG now offers lessons on the basics of meeting CNG production standards for produce operations. These lessons are available online, on demand, and free of charge. Begin today with a 40 minute webinar on Seeds, Planting Stock and Variety Selection.

This is a robust resource geared towards beginning farmers and folks who are interested in joining our community. Our videos are excellent refresher for farmers of all levels...We could all use a little CNG 101!

Sign up here to receive the Seeds, Planting Stock and Variety Selection lesson immediately, plus a link to our resource page. Click the red button below.

Please share this page with any farmer friends who might be interested.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

There's a very strong chance that you have at least one book from Chelsea Green Publishing on your shelf. There's an even better chance that that book or those books are dog-eared, underlined, collaged with sticky notes, and all but falling apart after years of reference and careful study.

The 100% employee-owned company has long produced essential books on ecological agriculture, publishing for both the practice and the politics of sustainability since its founding in 1984. From Eliot Coleman's classics to Leah Penniman's guide from her Certified Naturally Grown farm, Chelsea Green has made a big impact on CNG farmers and the public alike.

This publisher's books are deeply practical, and always put forth with the goal of cultural change.

We are truly thrilled to welcome this pioneering company to the CNG Business Ally community.

To learn more about the rich history and mission of this Vermont-based organization, you won't want to miss our interview with Marketing Director Sean Maher!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Kevin Prather of SCG Market Garden inspects Urban Roots Farm in Springfield, MO

We are thrilled to announce the first nine CNG inspections conducted with Community Observers!

Community Observers are those who participate in the CNG certification process by witnessing a farm's annual inspection. Just about anyone can serve as a Community Observer! From farmers market managers to school crossing guards, postmasters to pitmasters: if they want to have a healthier and more resilient local food system, they're a good candidate.

Community Observers all over the country are starting to join the CNG movement, connecting on a deeper level to their local food system and those who help it thrive.

Farmers are benefiting by developing stronger ties with local community members, while some gain flexibility around our "No repeat inspectors" rule.

Read on to hear from the pioneering cohort of growers welcoming Community Observers to their Certified Naturally Grown farms!

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

In early 2019, we announced a brand new video resource called CNG 101. CNG 101 is a series of lessons that cover the basics of meeting Certified Naturally Grown production standards for produce operations. Our educational videos are available online, on demand, and free of charge.

Today, we are proud to share that all eight CNG 101 videos are now live!

Click here to access CNG 101 training videos!

Our fresh trainings cover the following topics:

• Soil Management

• Weed Management

• Vegetable Pest Management

• Vegetable Disease Management

• Seeds, Planting Stock, and Variety Selection

• Environmental Protections and Preventing Contaminants

• Crop Rotation

• Cover Crops