Who should NOT be used as a Community Observer?
These people are not eligible to be Observers or Inspectors. Family members Interns Employees
Who Counts as a Community Observer?
Farmer Farmers market manager Manager at a local independent grocer or co-op Faith leader Healthcare practitioner Locavore Lunchbox virtuoso School crossing guard Postmaster Pitmaster Elected official Food policy council member Reporter Others! Choices are not limited to this list.Contact us…
What does the Community Observer do?
They are there to observe, not to advise. They may ask questions at times designated by the inspector, but their role is to observe and verify that a thorough inspection was completed. The entire inspection should be carried out with…
Are vaccines allowed?
Yes! We absolutely encourage CNG farmers and ranchers to use vaccines as part of their disease management plan. Since most conventional veterinary medications are not allowed, having a robust strategy for managing herd and flock health is key.
I’m dealing with a micronutrient deficiency. What are my CNG-approved options?
Synthetic micronutrients may only be used for fertility, they must be OMRI-listed, and there must be a documented deficiency in the form of a soil or tissue test. Remember to ask: Is this micronutrient… …being applied for crop/soil fertility? …OMRI-listed?…
How do I know if the compost I buy is ok to use in CNG?
CNG does not require that compost be OMRI-listed, we just ask farmers to verify with their supplier that the compost is: --properly composted (i.e. they are monitoring the C:N ratio, temperatures, and turning schedule) --not made from biosolids --free from…
I use manure on my farm. What are the application guidelines?
Like our compost standards, CNG's manure requirements are based on National Organic Program, EPA, and FDA guidelines for food safety. For applications of manure, we require the following intervals between manure application and crop harvest: --120 day interval for crops in which…
I make my compost on-farm. Is this a problem?
CNG's compost standards are based on National Organic Program, EPA, and FDA guidelines for food safety. If a farmer wants to apply farm-produced compost that includes manure, they'll need to monitor the initial C:N ratio, take temperature readings, and turn the pile…
I just started farming! Can I get certified right away?
CNG requires that growers have one year of experience producing and selling their products before applying for certification. We look for practices to be tried and tested to ensure that growing methods are successful and sustainable. Let us know that you're interested in certification; we'd…