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Sustainability Standard for Nursery and Greenhouse Production
Food Alliance provides a sustainability standard which nursery and greenhouse producers may use to evaluate management practices, measure social and environmental performance, or seek voluntary third-party certification.
What Does the Standard Cover?
The standard addresses the following areas of concern:
soil and water conservation,
- wildlife habitat and biodiversity conservation,
- adaptive management of pests, diseases, and weeds,
- safe and fair working conditions, and
- operational efficiencies (energy use, recycling, etc.).
To Whom Does the Standard Apply?
The standard applies to field, container, and greenhouse operations in North America producing one or more of the following products:
woody ornamentals- annuals
- perennials
- foliage plants
- potted flowering plants
- cut flowers
The standard does not currently apply to Christmas trees, tree farms, etc.
Where Can I Read the Standard?
- The FA Sustainability Standard for Nursery and Greenhouse Production (PDF) provides a comprehensive definition to help nursery and greenhouse operators achieve greater sustainability.
- The FA Sustainability Evaluation Tool for Nursery and Greenhouse Production (PDF) describes criteria and indicators to assess sustainability practices and outcomes. The Evaluation Tool has two purposes:
- Growers may use the Evaluation Tool to self-assess current management practices and sustainability performance.
- Third-party inspectors contracted by International Certification Services will use the Evaluation Tool to determine if an operation meets the requirements of the FA Sustainability Certification program.
How Does a Grower Get Certified?
Learn more about FA Sustainability Certification for Nursery and Greenhouse Production.
Pacific Northwest nursery and greenhouse operations may choose to have compliance verified with Salmon-Safe criteria at the time of inspection, providing the option to promote Salmon-Safe certification in addition to Food Alliance certification.
Special promotion!
All nursery operations that apply for Food Alliance certification in 2012 will receive half off their annual licensing fee for the first three-year term of their certification.
Additional Questions?
- Download a two-page overview of the Food Alliance Sustainability Standard for Nursery & Greenhouse Production (PDF).
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions about the Sustainability Standard for Nursery and Greenhouse Production.
- Read the press release (5/16/12) FA Launches New Sustainability Tools for Nursery and Greenhouse Growers (PDF).
