This article was originally published in The Organic and Non-GMO Report
Small farmers seeking eco-friendly certification without the high cost and paperwork of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s organic certification are turning to Certified Naturally Grown (CNG), a nonprofit-backed alternative. CNG offers an affordable, peer-reviewed certification system for farmers committed to chemical-free practices.
Jennifer Duensing of Illinois Country Harvest embraced CNG due to its alignment with her farm’s natural methods and its minimal bureaucratic burden. Unlike organic certification, which requires extensive record-keeping and costly third-party inspections, CNG relies on peer reviews, reducing costs to $250 annually compared to USDA organic certification fees of $2,000–$3,000. The USDA offers a reimbursement program, but small farmers still struggle with upfront costs.
CNG’s standards mirror organic certification, requiring natural fertilizers, eco-friendly pest control, and humane animal treatment. CNG certification takes about two months, versus six months for organic certification, which also mandates a three-year transition away from chemical use.
But farmers like Liz Graznak of Jamestown, Missouri value the credibility of the USDA organic label, which is recognized by 70% of consumers. She believes it provides a competitive advantage in retail and wholesale markets. However, others, like Duensing, who sell directly to consumers, find CNG’s transparency and direct communication more beneficial than a well known label.
But Sharon Gray at the University of Connecticut’s Department of Extension said consumers may be skeptical of the term “natural” on food products because it’s not a regulated term, unlike organic. As a result, Certified Naturally Grown might find it difficult to earn consumer trust. While some consumers remain confused by food labels, CNG aims to provide clarity and trust, ensuring that farmers who adhere to natural practices have an accessible way to prove it to their customers.
SOURCE: Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk