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!