Newsletter: January 2012

The Skinny on Seeds & Transplants for CNG Farmers

We get a fair number of questions about seeds and transplants. For your reference, here’s the skinny on Certified Naturally Grown’s standards.

Seeds

• Unfortunately, many seed varieties can’t be found in organic form. If you can’t find organic seeds in the variety you want after consulting multiple suppliers, you may use conventional seeds, but please note:
• Chemically treated or genetically engineered seeds are never allowed.
• Seeds used for edible sprouts must always be organically grown.
• Seed potatoes, seed garlic, onion sets (not onion transplants), and sweet potato slips are considered ‘seeds.’

• Transplants must be grown according to CNG standards. There isn’t the same flexibility as there is with seeds.
• The most common issue with bought in transplants is the supplier’s use of synthetic wetting agents and synthetic fertilizer in the potting mix. Ask before you buy!
• Non-CNG transplants may only be used if a temporary variance has been granted. These variances are given primarily because of a natural disaster.
• If you mistakenly buy conventional transplants they cannot be marketed as CNG.

• Non-CNG perennials can be brought into the farm but must be managed according to CNG standards for one full year before being marketed as CNG.

• Seeds, seedlings, and planting stock treated with prohibited substances may be used by a CNG producer if the treatment is a requirement of Federal or State phytosanitary regulations.

We're listing these companies as a resource, but no endorsement is implied.

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Questions for YOU

• CNG Seeds: Does your CNG operation sell seeds? Do you know one that does?
• Your Markets: Does your farmers market or produce retailer promote your products as CNG? Or does it require a type of certification?