Certified Naturally Grown - A Small Farm Certification
At Choices, we set standards for all of the products we carry. For our fresh produce, everything is certified organic or certified naturally grown. While the organic certification may be familiar to you, many customers are not sure exactly what the term “Certified Naturally Grown” means. Let’s shed some light on it.
Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) is a grassroots certification program designed for small-scale farmers who adhere to organic principles but prefer a more affordable and community-oriented alternative to official organic certification. Unlike certified organic, which is regulated by government standards, CNG relies on a peer-review system within a network of participating farmers. This system involves regular inspections and collaboration among farmers to ensure adherence to organic practices, including the avoidance of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), while prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.
Many smaller farms choose the Certified Naturally Grown option because the organic certification can be costly and more time consuming with extensive record keeping requirements. While this certification relies on peer review rather than government oversight, feedback from farmers is that it leads to great problem solving and creates a strong community dedicated to growing a sustainable food supply while eliminating toxic inputs.
In short, CNG provides consumers with a trustworthy label that signifies a commitment to natural and environmentally friendly farming methods without the bureaucratic complexities of official organic certification, fostering transparency, community support, and sustainable food systems.