Extension

Shelby Mendoza, Assistant Manager for the OSU Student Farm

Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) is a nonprofit certification program for growers who sell direct to consumers and use sustainable, organic-based production practices. Founded in 2002, CNG was created as an alternative to the USDA Organic certification program.

CNG standards are based on USDA Organic standards, but CNG utilizes a peer-to-peer inspection process instead of a third-party inspector. CNG offers certifications for a variety of production systems, including produce and flowers, apiaries, aquaponics, mushrooms, and livestock.

Want to learn more about CNG and see what it looks like in practice for growing produce? Join us for our field day on August 25^th! Come tour our field, learn about ongoing research projects and production practices, and bring your questions.

Figure 1. Certified Naturally Grown logo.