Peer reviews are a pillar of our certification programs. They help ensure CNG production standards are being met, while at the same time they strengthen local farming networks and create learning opportunities.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when participating in CNG’s inspection requirement:
Use the Searchable Map
You can easily find members near you by entering your zip code and a search radius under the searchable CNG map here. This will show all CNG producers within that search radius. But some of them aren’t good candidates to conduct your inspection. They could be ineligible because you just inspected their farm, or because they did yours last year or because they have a different type of certification. To get search results tailored to your specific farm, search the Find Inspectors map after you log in to your Certification Account (see the navy blue band across the very top of the page). The Find Inspector Map, provides more refined results by eliminating those who aren’t eligible to conduct your inspection.
Don’t Trade Inspections
To avoid conflicts of interest, there is no trading inspections. If you conducted an inspection for farmer Jones then Jones cannot turn around and inspect your farm until at least 2 years have passed.
Repeat Inspector Restrictions
You may not repeatedly rely on the same inspector when other CNG farmers are nearby. Variances may be granted in special cases, particularly when one or two Observers are included.
Complete the Report, Completely
Please be sure the Inspection Report is complete before returning it. In particular:
- Is it signed by both the CNG producer and the inspector?
- What is the inspector’s affiliation?
- How long did it take to complete the inspection?
We want to know! Please don’t leave these sections blank.
Tap Alternative Inspectors
If there are no CNG producers of a similar type within an hour’s drive, that’s fine! There are alternatives to using a CNG member, and these options are all listed in our Guidelines. For example, you may rely on a non-certified producer using natural practices, a county extension agent, agricultural educators, or a certified organic farmer.
Find a Similar Type of Producer
Be sure not to rely on someone who isn’t familiar with your type of operation. For example, a beekeeper or livestock producer who doesn’t grow produce for market should only be tapped to inspect a livestock or apiary operation. They shouldn’t be asked to inspect your produce operation just because they’re the only CNG member nearby.
Ask for Help if You’re a Mushroom or Aquaponics Producer
For these folks, it can be especially challenging to find producers of a similar type nearby to conduct their inspection. Ask CNG staff to help you! Often we can tap our networks to find the right inspector. Please do not rely on a soil-based farmer to do your inspection unless you clear it first with CNG staff.
Meet the Work Requirement
Our peer-approach only works if everyone follows through on the work requirement they agreed to when first applying to be CNG certified. Members can be delisted from the CNG program if they refuse to conduct an inspection of another CNG farmer and they haven’t fulfilled this annual requirement. (This requirement is waived if you’re not within an hour’s drive from another CNG producer of a similar type.)
Be Proud to be Part of a PGS!
Our certification model is based on the principles of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), where local knowledge is prioritized. PGS are promoted by The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) which is the worldwide umbrella organization for the organic agriculture movement representing close to 800 affiliates, including CNG, in 117 countries.