Certified Naturally Grown
Nearly 500 farmers from 47 states are enrolled to use the Certified Naturally Grown label.
Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) was created in anticipation of the challenges that smaller, diversified organic farms would face when USDA's Organic program was implemented in 2002.
Certification through the National Organic Program (NOP) requires an enormous amount of record keeping a paper trail of everything that happens from seed to sale. This is appropriate for large farms that grow only a few types of vegetables and sell in bulk to chain stores or big processing plants. But the mounds of paperwork have been prohibitive for diversified small farms that may grow upwards of 200 varieties of vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits and then sell them directly to consumers right in their own neighborhood.
CNG farmers are exempt from the fees and paperwork requirements associated with USDA Certified Organic, yet they adhere to CNG's Certification Standards and inspections that are based on the highest principles and ideals of organic farming.
Certified Naturally Grown is an independent program not accredited by, or in any way affiliated with, the USDA National Organic Program. CNGs Certification Standards include, but are not limited to, the USDA Organic Standards.
CNGs Program Requirements are reasonable and affordable, and many farmers find the inspection process itself a valuable learning experience.
See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Certified Naturally Grown is nationally recognized and endorsed. Please use one of the links to learn more about the program and to find CNG farms in your area!