CNG Staff, Author at Certified Naturally Grown

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Earth Tools was one of our first Business Allies, and an enthusiastic one, at that!
The Kentucky company is currently the only full-time power equipment dealership in the USA dedicated solely to walk-behind tractors. Plus, Earth Tools is currently the largest walk-behind tractor dealership in North America!

In fact, founder Joel Dufour has been selling and servicing walk-behind tractors since 1977. We caught up with him to learn more about the mission and history of his company, as well as what Certified Naturally Grown means to him.
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Joel with his wife Chris, and his daughters Natalie and Sophie
Certified Naturally Grown (CNG): How did Earth Tools get started?
Joel Dufour (JD): Growing up on an organic market-farm, I developed a keen appreciation for high-quality farming tools and equipment. A general lack of suppliers for such equipment led me to start Earth Tools in the 1990s.
CNG: What are Earth Tools’ core values?
JD: To provide high-quality goods and excellent service at reasonable prices to the market-farming community, and to support efforts to protect our natural environment – as sustainable farming does.
CNG: How did you make the decision to support CNG as a Business Ally?

JD: It was easy…my sister-in-law is a member! Her farm is Blackberry Heaven, in Frankfort, KY. I also support efforts for farmers to have some kind of an accountability system for growing naturally. Additionally, many of our customers are small growers and some have told me the organic certification standards are too onerous.
CNG: How does Certified Naturally Grown support Earth Tools’ customers?
JD: Certified Naturally Grown enables our customers to give the assurance to their customers that their food is grown in accordance with a set of peer-reviewed standards, and it does not “break the bank” in terms of time or money invested to stay “certified.”
CNG: What are some exciting developments at Earth Tools our CNG community can look forward to in 2019 and beyond?
JD: We continue developing new tools and implements to aid small-scale vegetable growers…this year we are introducing more weed control/cultivation tools, as well as super-precise vacuum-seeders.
CNG: If you had a magic agricultural wand, how would you use it to improve farm systems in America?
JD: Wow, that’s a loaded question! First, I would end subsidies for mega-scale, chemical-based mono-crop, GMO agriculture, and instead give incentives to small-scale producers who are using farming techniques that aid the planet’s healing (rather than aiding the planet’s destruction).

I would also mandate that agricultural land around urban areas would be preserved as such and not “developed” (with its value [and subsequent taxes] not overinflated by nearby development)…so that the farms surrounding the cities could profitably feed the cities.

CNG: Is there anything else CNG growers should know?

JD: That CNG growers are part of a great movement toward healthier people and a healthier planet!
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By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

In the early 2000s, Certified Naturally Grown was just a twinkle in the eye of some innovating Hudson Valley farmers. But as Ron and Kate Khosla created an alternative to the National Organic Program’s certification, they soon realized they’d need a recognizable logo for their brand new grassroots certification.

Enter Cecilia Garvin, a member of the Khoslas’ CSA and the creator of CNG’s vibrant logo.

We caught up with Cecilia after all these years to learn about her inspiration for the imagery that’s helped our certification take flight since 2002. Read on to find out what her creation means to her today, and to check out her most recent work.
Certified Naturally Grown (CNG): How did you get involved with Certified Naturally Grown?
Cecilia Garvin (CG): My husband Alex and I were members of a wonderful CSA in New Paltz, NY called Huguenot Street Farm which was started by Kate and Ron Khosla. At some point Ron asked us if we would be willing to design a logo for an idea that he was working on. His idea was to create an alternative to USDA organic certification, and thus Certified Naturally Grown was created.
CNG: What inspired the Certified Naturally Grown logo?
CG: Spending time at Huguenot Street Farm was probably the biggest inspiration. The amazing varieties of vegetables and fruits inspired me to use bright colors.

The farmers’ enthusiasm, hard work, and respect for the land inspired me to meld the landscape with the sky to symbolize regeneration.
CNG: Are there any runner up designs you would like to share with us?
CG: Surprisingly, no!
CNG: What does the imagery of the logo mean to you today?
CG: It means pretty much the same as it did when I created it. It meant a lot to me to have a role in making this idea a reality.

Overall, I think the logo conveys optimism and balance.
CNG: What does Certified Naturally Grown as an organization mean to you today?
CG: CNG has become an important force in fostering sustainable farming and community. It is a great organization in which the spirit of these values is recognized and shared between farmers and the people who benefit from them.
CNG: What else have you been working on since CNG’s inception in 2002?
CG: Botanical art, textile design and painting from life.

Cecilia’s recent work is a testament to her lifelong love of the marvels of nature!

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.
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Certified Naturally Grown (CNG): How did The Fertrell Company get started?
Casey Trinkaus (CT): In 1946, John Johnson found that his roses’ endurance and fragrance were not meeting his expectations. He determined that by mixing plant, animal, and mineral compounds, his roses attained maximum performance. As a result, he formed The Organic Development Company in his garage in Fullerton, Maryland. The Organic Development Company relocated to the present site at Bainbridge, PA in 1961. In 1973, following the death of John Johnson, the company name became The Natural Development Company.

The name changed again in 1975 to The Fertrell Company. The name Fertrell is derived from the words: Fertilizer — FER; Trace Minerals — TR; and Elements — EL. The growth in organic production over the past 70 years have helped the company continue to grow.

Liquid fertilizers were added to the company’s offerings in 1961, and the Nutribalancer animal nutrition line was added in 1974. In 1996, three Fertrell Employees – Dennis Nygaard, Reuben Gantz, and David Mattocks – came together and purchased enough stock to gain ownership of the company. Dennis Nygaard retired in 1996, and Reuben Gantz retired in 2000. David Mattocks continues as the chairman of board of Fertrell.

Dave will never fully retire, but he stopped coming to the office in 2012 at age 76. He continues to help in the training of new and old staff members by teaching the history and philosophy of the company. In 2003, Fertrell adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to continue Fertrell for future generations of farmers and employees without needing to be sold to an outside entity. In 2017, construction began on a new warehouse and office building at the Bainbridge location. The project was completed in 2018, and has allowed Fertrell to expand both production and employment.
CNG: What are The Fertrell Company’s core values?
CT: Our core values are quality, integrity, customer service, compassion, and uniqueness.
CNG: How did you make the decision to support CNG as a Business Ally?

CT: We work with a wide array of farmers – from conventional, to transitioning, to organic – and everywhere in between. We feel it’s very important to support one another in agriculture, so supporting the mission of CNG and being a resource to farmers following their production philosophy is something we truly believe in.
CNG: How does Certified Naturally Grown support The Fertrell Company’s customers?
CT: CNG offers Fertrell customers the opportunity to distinguish their products and production methods in the market without the high costs of organic certification. With the tough state of agriculture today, anything a farmer can do to help clarify to customers exactly why their product is different from the rest is advantageous. While all of the products we manufacture aim to be National Organic Program (NOP) compliant, we value the ability for our customers to meet a lot of those standards (and more) without the costs associated with certification.
CNG: What are some exciting developments at The Fertrell Company our CNG community can look forward to in 2019 and beyond?
CT: Both our Fertilizer team and our Animal Nutrition team have been hard at work creating new products for 2019. Our Livestock team just released a No Soy Protein Blend series for backyard poultry enthusiasts which will allow folks with smaller flocks to economically access to a complete soy free feed: all they’ll do is add corn or wheat, and they’re set! We also just (literally just) released our brand new Dry Cow Mineral for those herdsmen with dairy cows on the farm. This mineral blend is specific to the needs of dry cows which is rare in today’s market, though very necessary in order to maintain good health in both the milking herd and the new calves.
On the fertilizer side of things, we have been working on a few new standard blends (both dry and liquid) to better meet the needs of our customers. Right now we’re running field tests to make sure everything flows through equipment okay, and once that is done we’ll be making a more formal announcement about those products.
CNG: It’s a tough question, but what is your favorite item in The Fertrell Company store?
CT: Ha! That is nearly impossible, though I will give two, just to make it fair. On the fertilizer side of things, we offer Custom Blending at no additional charge. That is something unique to Fertrell and something we really pride ourselves on. In essence, a farmer sends us their soil sample and tells us a bit about what they’re growing and our Agronomy team comes up with a Custom Blend Fertilizer that is specific to their farm and its needs. This allows us to economically address their soils specifically without wasting time or money with things that their fields aren’t lacking. It’s a great benefit to Fertrell customers and definitely one of our favorite products to talk about.
On our Livestock side, the Poultry Nutribalancer is our flagship mineral product, so it can be the favorite. Poultry Nutribalancer is an organically-approved complete vitamin and mineral supplement for all poultry that gets mixed into feed. It contains beneficial probiotics and trace minerals as well to help improve performance. In 1996, Joel Salatin from Polyface Farms started using our Poultry Nutribalancer for his flocks and was so pleased with the results, he never looked back.
CNG: If you had a magic agricultural wand, how would you use it to improve farm systems in America?

CT: One of my favorite quotes comes from Robyn O’Brien – “We pay the doctor to make us better when we should really be paying the farmer to keep us healthy”.
There are a lot of discrepancies in the amount farmers are paid for their hard work and efforts to be in sustainable agriculture. There’s also a separation of knowledge between the consumer going to a retail store and buying something off the shelf and really understanding what that decision is doing to their long-term health. Here at Fertrell, we do more than just manufacture products.
Every year, our staff gives about 100 presentations across the US to groups of farmers trying to learn how to do things “better”. Better can mean a lot of things – better for the environment, better for their own economics, better for the consumer because the product will be more nutritious, you name it. If we could wave a magic wand, we would want to educate the masses on why paying more for foods that are produced using more sustainable techniques should be considered critical to the health and wellbeing of our population.
CNG: Is there anything else CNG growers should know?

CT: Fertrell is always here to help. We end every single presentation, phone call, and email with that simple statement. Whether you use our products or not, if you have a question on how to do something farming-related, just ask us. We have over 70 years of knowledge here and we are happy to help. We’re all in this together and we only get one Earth. So if we can help you accomplish a goal on your farm, all you have to do is ask!
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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!
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) was founded in 1972, and remains the world’s organic umbrella organization. The group currently focuses on the following goals:

Supply: Facilitating capacity development for sustainable production.
Awareness Raising: Campaigning and acting as a resource center for organic communications.
Policy & Guarantee: Advocating and providing support for the creation of a favorable policy environment
IFOAM recognizes that PGS – like Certified Naturally Grown – provide an essential complement to third-party certification – like the USDA National Organic Program. PGS provide accessible verification for small-scale and direct-market producers with high standards, who might not otherwise participate in the organic movement.
Though most people in North America are familiar with third party certification, participatory guarantee systems (PGS) like Certified Naturally Grown are increasingly common in countries where direct-market farms predominate, where farms are closer to their consumers (such as those who sell at a farmers market or through a CSA).
IFOAM maintains that PGS requires active participation of stakeholders, and is built on a foundation of trust, social network, and knowledge exchange. If you’re a CNG farmer, this should sound familiar, and call to mind your annual inspection!
Certified Naturally Grown is just one of eight PGS worldwide officially recognized by IFOAM – Organics International, and is a recognized leader of the PGS movement.

From the most recent data collected in 2017, IFOAM estimates that there are at least 241 PGS initiatives worldwide, with 115 under development and 127 fully operational. There are at least 311,449 farmers involved and at least 76,750 producers certified. PGS initiatives exist in 66 countries; with 43 countries that have fully operational PGS initiatives in place.
IFOAM – Organics International’s PGS work operates with four committees, including the Participatory Guarantee System Committee.

“The PGS Committee assists the development of PGS, provides advice on how to develop, facilitate and encourage PGS around the world, participates in mid-term and long-term strategic planning for IFOAM’s activities on PGS and identifies and systemizes PGS concepts and tools appropriate for the facilitation and promotion of PGS.”
Committee members include:
Alice Varon (United States) Alice is Executive Director of Certified Naturally Grown.
Audrey Wainwright (South Africa) Audrey is the operations manager of Bryanston Market PGS, a community-based organic assurance system that enables market access for Johannesburg smallholder organic farmers ranging from backyard gardeners to 30-acre farmers.
Chris May (New Zealand) Chris is an organic horticulturalist and managing director of Biological Consultancy. In 2001-2003, Bioglobal developed Organic Farm New Zealand, the national PGS system in the country. Chris is still involved in OFNZ as a certification manager, and is a PGS trainer for IFOAM.
Rowena Buena (Philippines) Maria works with MASIPAG as Technical Officer. MASIPAG is a farmer-led network of people’s organizations, NGOs, and scientists based in the Philippines who work together to resist GMOs and synthetic chemicals in agriculture. She completed the Organic Agriculture Development Training organized by Grolink and coordinates the activities of PGS Pilipinas.
Sylvaine Lemeilleur (France) Sylvaine is an agro-economist working with Cirad on agrifood industry transformation and socio-economic impacts on small farmers in developing countries. Her most recent research focuses on the impact of supermarkets and growing standards.
Luiz Carlos Rebelatto dos Santos (Brazil) Luiz is the founder of the Ecovida Agroecology Network, which operates in Southern Brazil to connect farming families, NGOs, consumer organizations, and other social actors. In 2002-2005 he systematized the participatory certification methodology carried out by the Ecovida Network of Agroecology. He is currently studying Gastronomy at the Institute of Higher Education in Brazil.
Certified Naturally Grown’s Alice Varon with fellow PGS Committee Member Chris May
at the IFOAM General Assembly in South Korea, October 2011

For more about IFOAM on this continent, check out IFOAM North America. This is the official self-organized regional body of IFOAM members in Canada, the United States, and the English-speaking Caribbean. IFOAM North America just recently formed as a separate legal entity in 2018.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Brooks Contractor is so much more than a compost company.
Sure, the North Carolina operation diverts massive amounts of food waste from landfill and creates top notch compost blends, but the business is deeply committed to supporting farmers (and eaters) at all points in the food system. We spoke with Amy Brooks Fulford, Brooks Contractor’s Food Waste Collection Manager, to learn more about her mission in North Carolina and beyond.

Plus: do you live in North Carolina and want to learn more about hemp production? Be sure to register for the Industrial Hemp Workshop from 4–9 p.m. on Thursday, February 28 in Pittsboro. Amy will be presenting on growing hemp in poor NC soils! More details can be found here.
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Certified Naturally Grown (CNG): How did Brooks Contractor get started?
Amy Brooks Fulford (ABF): We are a family owned and operated business that emerged from pure sweat and determination by my parents, Dean and Judy Brooks. They purchased this land and started a dairy from scratch back in the mid 1970s and were financially forced to get out of the business in the late 80s, due to the “get big or get out” agricultural movement as well as the questionable hormone usage that had started to take hold of the industry.

They had worked so hard to build everything here and didn’t want to lose it all. After stumbling around with a few other farming ventures that wouldn’t pay the bills, my dad thought he might give composting a try since he had already learned to compost the dairy manure. We hit it at a time when all the major cities in our area hit a huge growth spurt, so business took off within a few years and we have been growing ever since. We were the first Type 3 permitted compost facility in North Carolina.

CNG: What are Brooks Contractor’s core values?
ABF: Since we’re a family business, we treat our customers like family. When you call, you’re speaking to someone who is genuinely interested in helping you and excited about the path you’re on.
We value our relationship with the community and try to create a balanced approach to waste management that is both affordable and beneficial. Today’s business world has turned into one where someone figures something out and tries to keep it a secret so they can take advantage of someone else and profit from it. But there is so much more to this world than making a dollar and I think our attitude about that follows through to our customer base. We are incredibly blessed to be working with people who are trying to make a lasting difference in society, whether by diverting their waste from the landfill and sending it to the soil, or someone planting something beautiful or nourishing.
Brooks Compost Facility and Brooks Contractor’s office is located on approximately 30 acres of a 400 acre farm. Surrounding farmland is pasture, forestry, and row crops..
CNG: How did you make the decision to support CNG as a Business Ally?

ABF: I think CNG is doing good work. We’ve worked with so many farmers to improve their soil over the years, and once they have prepped the soil with compost there is little need to use harsh chemicals for production. Many of them don’t want the hassle of a USDA organic program, and many don’t need that certification to sell their products anyway. But I’d still like to see these farmers get credit for the hard work they do, and I feel like the CNG label is an affordable compromise that would work really well for most of the farms we work with. I’d like to see CNG’s North Carolina map covered with farms of high-quality production, and I think we can help to stimulate that.
CNG: What are some exciting developments at Brooks Contractor our CNG community can look forward to in 2019 and beyond?
ABF: We are hitting another growth spurt and I get the feeling that 2019 might be the year that compost is finally recognized for its tried and true work in soil restoration. We look forward to growing our product line to meet the needs of our clients, working more with hemp farmers in NC, and definitely working more with school systems. It is so important to teach children responsibility and respect, and our lunchroom composting programs are effective at doing that. They gain responsibility to sort their waste properly and overall to do their best at reducing it, but also to respect nature’s systems so that we can build for the next generation instead of continuing to lead a destructive lifestyle.
CNG: It’s a tough question, but what is your favorite item in the Brooks Contractor store?
ABF: Definitely our all-purpose compost, BR-1. It’s our original product. Over the years the inputs have been streamlined to produce what we feel is the best quality, humus-rich compost on the East Coast, and certainly the most affordable for its quality. This compost has been used on countless farms across NC, public and teaching gardens, world-class landscaping projects, university research plots, bioremediation projects, and for just about any purpose – including turning a gravel parking lot into a lawn.

The best part about selling this compost is knowing that when we send out a big truckload, something is going to get planted! The most important parts of soil building are to replenish (with compost), plant it so you have a living root, and cover the soil if you can. From that point on, the microbiology in the compost does the rest of the work and will continue to get better with age. Compost will bring on the worms too, and every farmer loves free worm poop!

Landscaper’s topsoil blend, our BR-4. It’s a ready to plant in mix that contains approximately 50% compost.

CNG: If you had a magic agricultural wand, how would you use it to improve farm systems in America?
ABF: I would want to see all farms have affordable access to locally produced compost in large quantities. That would be the foundation of my perfect farm system, and from there it’s all about the people. I’d make sure kids are being served the freshest, healthiest foods direct from local farms and would also make sure they knew who grew their meal. I’d do the same with every meal served, whether its at the family table, local restaurant, hospital: wherever there is a meal there should be something super fresh and healthy because that’s the only way we’re getting out of the mess many farmers and eaters find themselves in.

⠀CNG: Is there anything else CNG growers should know?
ABF: Keep up the good work! We’re going to get through this time in history, and we’ll all look back and realize all the hard work and collaboration was worth it. Soon enough regenerative farming is going to be a no-brainer and the consumer is going to appreciate you for it. Realize your family and your land are the most important areas you’ll ever spend time on, and your community is the most important client. We are truly honored to be part of the farmer’s toolkit and know farm communities all over this country will step up and save our soil and water systems. Our compost will end up being such a tiny part of the solution. The real solution is going to come from people that are willing to spend the time it takes to make our food systems work for the grower and the consumer.
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By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Peas waiting to be planted with the paper pot transplanter at Patchwork Farm in Copper Hill, VA

You may be wondering: what’s the deal with the paper pot transplanter? Is it actually worth the investment? Will it really save my back? And wait a second: if I’m a Certified Naturally Grown farm, can I even use this tool for my crops?!

Certified Naturally Grown will continue to allow the use of paper pot transplanters on CNG operations.

In early 2018, the USDA National Organic Program banned this tool for certified organic operations due to a synthetic binder in the pots. In response to a petition from Small Farm Works, the National Organics Standards Board is reviewing the substances used in paper pots. Meantime, NOP has walked back its original ruling, and is temporarily extending the use of paper pot transplanters in organic system until further notice.
Anna Wilson of Brown Bottle Farm in Mulino, OR is grateful that CNG continues to stand by this tool:

Being able to use the paper pot transplanter and maintain our certification shows us that CNG understands and appreciates farmers. They also see how it can increase yields, cultivate in a variety of locations, and be at the forefront of progressive natural farming practices. I don’t know what we would have done if we were unable to use this tool. It has meant a lot to our small farm.
Don’t just take Anna’s word on the paper pot transplanter. Read on to learn other farmers’ perceived pros (and cons) on this Japanese tool.

Pros of the paper pot transplanter:

“Farming standing up is a real joy!”
Ray Tyler of Rose Creek Farms in Selmer, TN enthusiastically told us how the ergonomics of this tool can make a real difference. The more farming that can be done upright, the better.
The paper pot transplanter buys time
John Hofer of Wise Earth Farm in Kelowna, BC says his team used to spend 12-20 hours a week transplanting by hand; now they only transplant 6 hours a week on average. “Before the PPT, transplanting used to rule our days,” he says. “Now, we don’t dread the task.”

“Our attitudes are sky high! It’s befuddling to watch a row get put together in under ten minutes. If you haven’t hand transplanted a 100’ row of lettuce heads I demand that you do it before you use this tool, because otherwise you’ll never fully have the appreciation for how much time and discomfort it saves!” – Anna Wilson, Brown Bottle Farm, OR
Ryan Falk of Brown Bottle Farm in Mulino, OR gives the PPT a whirl
“It’s like adding a team member that doesn’t get tired!”
Ray told us that the tool paid for itself within the first month of its use. This means he was able to operate his five-acre farm with fewer staff members than usual.
Lovely for lettuce
Todd Bentley of Sweeter Days Farm in Ashland City, TN looks forward to saving at least 60 hours of labor this season on lettuce alone using the paper pot transplanter for 20+ successions.

“I think that sustainability takes a lot of forms and we have to allow certain things for small growers to use to increase profit margins.”

Todd Bentley, Sweeter Days Farm, TN
Get an earlier start to your season
The paper pot transplanter allows you to transplant crops you would normally direct-seed, meaning you can get a jump start on your season. Ray told us this helped Rose Creek Farms command more attention at market, and charge premium prices.
Unfurling transplants at Patchwork Farm in Copper Hill, VA

Cons of the paper pot transplanter:

More work for crops you usually grow with biofilm or landscape fabric
Ray’s wife Ashley manages the wash and pack team at Rose Creek Farms, and she’s quick to add that the PPT makes her work more complicated. Ray explained that using the PPT for lettuce meant that they couldn’t use weed-suppressing biofilm or landscape fabric. In their humid Zone 7/8 climate with heavy clay soil, there’s backsplash from rain on lower leaves that can lead to disease – and significantly more time spent washing.

“The paper pot transplanter is just a tool in the toolbox; our farm isn’t built around this tool. The tool fits into our puzzle.”

Ray Tyler, Rose Creek Farms, TN
There is a learning curve
“The implementation and use of the PPT was not without challenges,” Anna says. “We found that it is important to follow the guides given from reliable resources like The Lean Farm Guide to Growing Vegetables by Ben Hartman and The Urban Farmer by Curtis Stone. When actually using it in the field it may take some time to adjust depth of plow, and the width of the sweeps.”
You still have to cultivate
This is especially true if you’re used to growing with landscape fabric or similar materials, Ray told us.
“BED PREP!”
Anna in Oregon emphasized that bed prep was a crucial step when getting ready to use the paper pot transplanter. Like a direct seeder, it prefers a smooth and flat surface.
The PPT doesn’t work for every crop
Wise Earth farmer John tried to transplant almost every crop with the tool in 2018. He found that it works very well for head lettuce, fennel, onions, salad turnips, and kohlrabi. It won’t work for crops that need to be 8″+ apart, or vegetables that yield multiple harvests.
Try before you buy
Ray in Tennessee urges farmers to try the tool before they commit to purchasing it. “Even if you have to pay your neighbor to go to their farm and work with it for a day, it’s worth the investment,” he adds.

If you like what you read, we invite you to spread the word!

Suggested Facebook post and/or Tweet:
Are you considering a paper pot transplanter for your farm? @CNGfarming farmers can help you make your decision: https://www.cngfarming.org/paper_pot_transplanter

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

Are you curious about new ways to control weeds this upcoming season?
WeedGuardPlus is a biodegradable and water permeable mulch made from cellulose fibers that suppresses weeds, sparing countless hours spent on weed management. We spoke with VP of Sales & Marketing Mike Gallagher to learn about paper innovations in the management of unwanted plants.
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Certified Naturally Grown (CNG): How did WeedGuardPlus get started?
Mike Gallagher (MG): A grower who was using plastic mulch asked if our parent company, SunShine Paper Company, could develop a mulch made from cellulose, which is a renewable resource that is 100% biodegradable. Just like that, WeedGuardPlus was born!

CNG: What are Weed Guard Plus’ core values?
MG: We try to satisfy our customers’ needs to the best of our ability, deliver innovative solutions, and maintain integrity in our dealings with customers and suppliers. Above all, we aim to learn and grow professionally and personally every day.
CNG: What makes WeedGuardPlus different?
MG: We feel our product addresses a vital need to help offset the persistent use of plastics in agriculture. Being the only product that is 100% bio-based and 100% biodegradable, WeedGuard is the sound choice for protecting our environment from further micro and macro plastic particle contamination of our soil and water.
CNG: How did you make the decision to support CNG as a Business Ally?

MG: Whenever we have the opportunity to support groups and organizations who subscribe to good environmental practices, we do! CNG is one of those organizations.
CNG: What are some exciting developments at WeedGuardPlus our CNG community can look forward to in 2019 and beyond?
MG: We are developing some new products utilizing hemp fiber, and we are also introducing some great new items that will save time for tree nursery growers.
CNG: It’s a tough question, but what is your favorite item in the WeedGuardPlus store?
MG: It is difficult, but one of my favorites is the Pre-Punched line with great spacing pattern options. These products save growers time, and provide best utilization of field space. The idea came from Zach Randle of Randle Farms in Alabama. I just acted on his idea!
CNG: If you had a magic agricultural wand, how would you use it to improve farm systems in America?
MG: This is a great question. I’d like to see less plastics and more renewable resource products used. We can and we must do better.
Also, I’d like my children to have greater access to and more options of organically grown produce. I’d like to see elimination of toxic chemicals used in agriculture in favor of natural preventives.
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Even winter is an abundant time at Certified Naturally Grown: we’re celebrating 39 newly certified farmers and beekeepers! Check the list below to see if a farmer you know is among them. Plus, we have brand new Business Allies and a blog bursting with fresh news.

The Harvest Quarterly is our seasonal newsletter, delivered every few months. Enjoy it while it’s fresh! Not yet subscribed? Sign up here.

Congratulations to These 39 Newly Certified Farmers and Beekeepers

We are delighted to recognize the producers who have completed all the requirements for CNG certification since mid-June. They are listed below alphabetically by state and province.
To find a list of all the Certified Naturally Grown producers in your area, visit our searchable map here.
Know someone who should be listed? Have them Get Certified!

Faith Farms, AK
Baxters Apiary, AR
Kannett Farm, AR
Ozark Urban Greens, AR
St. Joseph Center of Arkansas, AR
Araceli Farms, CA
M-D Garlic Farms, CA
White Crow Ranch SLV, CO
Ellijay Mushrooms, GA
Paul’s Meadow, GA
Posley’s Produce, GA
Blue Gate Farm, IA
Twin Circle Farm,LLC, IL
Andorfer Acres West, Inc., IN
West KY Aquaponics, LLC, KY
Happy Hills Farm, LA
River Queen Greens, LA
Common Acre Farm, MA
Haile Orchard, MD
Hope Honey Farm, MD
Land Reef Farms, MD
Agape Community Farm, MO
Front Street farms, MO
Sanctified Soil, MO
SCG Market Garden, MO
Honey Tree Farm, NC
The Homestead Aronia Plantation, NE
Fox Creek Farm, NY
MandA Farm, NY
Skyhill Farm, NY
Briarpatch Botanicals, OR
Squared Roots Farm, OR
A Different Chick Farm and Orchard, TN
Brown’s Farm, TN
One Wheel Market Garden, TN
Sow and Harvest Farms, TN
Blue Eden Farm, VA
ColdSnap Aquaponics LLC, WI
CANADA
Northern Creek Farm, AB

A Warm Welcome to our Generous 2019 Business Allies!

The Business Allies listed below are leaders in the sustainable agriculture community, and pioneers of our new and growing program. We’re grateful for their support, which helps keep Certified Naturally Grown affordable for CNG farmers and beekeepers.
We’re proud to announce that 26 like-minded businesses have signed on or renewed their Business Ally status so far in 2019! You can learn more about their outstanding work by clicking on the links below:
AgSquared
Banner Greenhouses
BARN2DOOR
Brooks Contractor
Chelsea Green Publishing
CleBer LLC/Oggún
Dailey’s Farm & Walk-Behind Tractors
Drew’s Organics
Earth Tools
East End Food Co-op
Fedco
The Fertrell Company
Food Conspiracy Co-op
Grower’s Discount Labels
Growing For Market
Harris Seeds Organic
Harvie
Lee Publications
Nelson & Pade, Inc.
Ohio Earth Food
Salt & Soil Marketplace
SeaAgri, Inc. (SEA-90 Trace Minerals for Livestock and Soil)
Seven Springs Organic Farming Supplies
Small Farm Works
Victory Seed Co.
WeedGuardPlus
If you or someone you know represents a company that serves the sustainable agriculture community, we hope you’ll consider joining these excellent Allies. Click the button below to learn how.

The Latest Winter Reads on the Blog

A Farmer’s Guide to Winter: Our Top Tips
Co-ops, Markets, and Farmers Markets That Build Local Food Systems
Grassroots Representation at 2019 Conferences
Local Farms: Going Strong in 2019
Certified Naturally Grown Christmas Trees: Q&A With Farmer Chris Delaney
Giving Thanks for the Hard Work of Sustainable CNG Farmers
We’re Growing! Hello New CNG Staff
All CNG producers are listed on our website. Would you like your farm on this map? Get Certified!

For more frequent or different updates, edit your preferences here.

By Suzannah Schneider, Communications Manager and Certification Coordinator

A winter scene at Enon Valley Garlic, PA

Ah, winter. For many, it’s a dreaded time of numb noses, grey skies, and sun lamps.

But for most Certified Naturally Grown farmers who grow primarily in the months of April to November, December through March is a rich time to recharge. The winter months are a respite from the chaos of market season, a rest for weary backs and hamstrings, and a reward for the summertime sunrise-to-sunset (and sometimes longer) workdays.
Read on to learn how we recommend you recharge in this slower season. #1 is guaranteed to make you giggle!

1. Enjoy some tunes

Longtime Certified Naturally Grown member Six Circles Farm boasts some extremely original sounds from their all-star volunteer, Jacksonic. If you’re finding these months of never-ending root vegetables have you down, turn up The Eat Vegetables LP. Plus, we’re thrilled to find our logo on the album artwork of the album below, and our t-shirt featured in this music video!

July Garlic on August Tomato Sandwiches by Jacksonic

2. Devour a book

We’re proud to have these incredible authors in our grassroots community. We’ve been poring over Leah Penniman’s Farming While Black, and can’t wait until our Business Ally Andrew Mefferd of Growing for Market‘s book comes out in just a few weeks!

Two dense but readable books from the CNG community!

3. …or a magazine!

Be sure to renew your subscriptions to Acres USA, Growing For Market, and Small Farm Quarterly. And don’t forget Bee Culture and Mother Earth News!

Some of our favorite magazines

4. Scour your favorite seed catalogs

‘Nuff said. Below are some of our favorites! You can also click here to learn more about CNG-approved seeds.

We love a whimsical seed catalog cover

5. Take a trip!

If not now, when? We know many of our farmers are spending this month visiting family, enjoying a bit of eco or agrotourism in warmer climates, or are firmly planted on a beach in attempt to finally remove their farmer’s tan. Did you know there are plenty of CNG farms to visit on Hawaii?

No Spray Hawaii has a great view in January…

6. Maintain now, no crisis later

After a busy growing season, tools and equipment start to wear down and beg for some TLC. Now is a great time to clean, sharpen, and repair so that everything you need is in excellent condition come springtime. Plus, these cooler months let you take the process slowly, so you can enjoy the art of repair instead of frantically fixing so you can get back into the field.

Moon Dog Farms’ tractor is in tip top shape. Is yours?

7. Stop by a conference

Conferences are vital for farmers to stay connected and learn from each other. Click here to find out where we’ll be in the next few months, and be sure to say hello if we’ll be crossing paths!

Farmers from Raindrop Ridge, Five Apple Farm Honey, and Spruill Farm Conservation Project with CNG’s Alice Varon at Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s 2015 Sustainable Agriculture Conference
If you like what you read, we invite you to spread the word!

Suggested Facebook post and/or Tweet:
Winter is the best time for R&R on the farm. Here’s how @CNGfarming suggests you make the most of your time to recharge! Which activity is your favorite? #CertifiedNaturallyGrown cngfarming.org/a_farmer_s_guide_to_winter

Just like the symbiotic relationship between pollinators and produce, Certified Naturally Grown farmers rely on their local farmers markets, co-ops, and independent grocery stores to support their work.

Our Guide to Exceptional Markets (GEMs) has been a key resource for farmers and markets alike to thrive. GEMs source from ecologically-minded, CNG-certified growers to make it easier to keep money in the local economy and to promote a stronger food system and healthier community.

We have some beautiful badges and updates to make this year the most sparkling year for sustainable, local food yet! Keep reading to learn more about what’s new and how to get involved.

Our New Tier Guide

Markets, co-ops, and groceries can earn a GEMs listing or upgrade their GEMs Tier by meeting the qualifications for each Tier.

Tier 1: Recognize
These markets clearly indicate which vendors or products are CNG-certified.

Tier 2: Prefer
These markets have a clear & visible policy that the market or co-op prefers farms with certification, and CNG is one of the options, when selecting vendors.

Tier 3: Require
These markets have a clearly stated and visible policy that the market or co-op requires vendors hold a certification, and CNG is one of the options.

Perk Alert!

There are different benefits of being a GEMs Market at each Tier:

Tier 1: Recognize
– Social media promotion
– Inclusion in the Guide to Exceptional Markets (GEMs)
– Free laminated sign promoting your GEMs listing
– Permission to use Exceptional Market badge for your Tier

Tier 2: Prefer
– All the benefits included in Tier 1
PLUS
– Free banner design
– Free press release
– Free temporary tattoos for market booth
– Priority assistance involving community stakeholders in CNG farm inspections

Tier 3: Require
– All the benefits included in Tiers 1 and 2
PLUS
– Dedicated blog post about your market
– Other collaborations we can think up together!

A Brand New Badge

To further lift up the markets that go the extra mile to make their local food systems for transparent and accessible, our designer Aly Miller has created a brand new icon and badge to correspond with each of the GEMs Tiers.

We’re All In This Together

Are you a market manager who is interested in being listed in our guide, but don’t have any vendors who are Certified Naturally Grown? Don’t fret, your listing in our Guide to Exceptional Markets is not out of reach!

We will work with your vendors who are interested in transitioning to CNG to help you join GEMs. We are on call to educate, troubleshoot, and support your vendors as they join our nationwide grassroots community.

Pitch Your Market

We would be delighted to add your market to our roster. Please take the steps to join our Exceptional Markets!