What does that mean? Let me explain. "Certified Naturally Grown" is a national grassroots response to the costly alternative of "Certified Organic." Their principles are the same, and you must follow the standards for Certified Organic. My opinion is the CNG has more faith in the farmer and doesn't bog you down with tons of paperwork, and a costly inspection like certified organic requires. CNG is a farmer to farmer inspection following a inspection form developed from CNG. In fact, next week I am inspecting Thompson's Painted Hill Farm in Wells, Minnesota. You cannot however, inspect each others farms. When certified organic first started it was more small farmer friendly. But as time went on, and larger companies that you see in the grocery stores got on the bandwagon, things got more complicated. How do I know? Back in the late 1980's thru the early 1990's I had a certified organic farm in Zumbrota Minnesota. Aptly named 'Zumbrota Organic Gardens.'
So what are the basic principles? Your land must be free of synthetic chemicals for 3 years. You can only use organic (natural based) chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides etc. You farm in a sustainable manner, less tillage, using cover crops, using mulch, less inputs and maintain soil health. You can find out more about CNG at http://www.naturallygrown.org/
Why does this matter? To some people it does, to others it doesn't! That's your choice. What I like about flowers that are CNG, is you can stick your nose right in a bouquet and not worry what you are breathing in. The majority of store flowers and florist flowers come from out of the country. They use chemicals that do not meet the USA standards. At least w/food items, you can wash them before using, not so with flowers.
Our land history: For the last 3 1/2 years our 10 acre farm plot, named 'Earthworks Gardens' has been free of synthetic farm chemicals. The land has been in my husbands family since the 1930's. It had been farmed by family for many years and then rented out. It's a small chunk of the original farm. Somehow, I couldn't resist the chance to have a small farm operation again. Our home is a little over 1 mile from the farm plot. The houses you may see in some of my photos are our neighbors, so please don't knock on their doors looking for flowers!
So what are the basic principles? Your land must be free of synthetic chemicals for 3 years. You can only use organic (natural based) chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides etc. You farm in a sustainable manner, less tillage, using cover crops, using mulch, less inputs and maintain soil health. You can find out more about CNG at http://www.naturallygrown.org/
Why does this matter? To some people it does, to others it doesn't! That's your choice. What I like about flowers that are CNG, is you can stick your nose right in a bouquet and not worry what you are breathing in. The majority of store flowers and florist flowers come from out of the country. They use chemicals that do not meet the USA standards. At least w/food items, you can wash them before using, not so with flowers.
Our land history: For the last 3 1/2 years our 10 acre farm plot, named 'Earthworks Gardens' has been free of synthetic farm chemicals. The land has been in my husbands family since the 1930's. It had been farmed by family for many years and then rented out. It's a small chunk of the original farm. Somehow, I couldn't resist the chance to have a small farm operation again. Our home is a little over 1 mile from the farm plot. The houses you may see in some of my photos are our neighbors, so please don't knock on their doors looking for flowers!
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