Jun 1, 2012

New Sustainability Tools for Growers DebutSource: Food Alliance

Food Alliance (FA), a national non-profit and experienced certifier of sustainability claims in agriculture, has introduced three sustainability tools for greenhouse and nursery producers.

The tools are:

• The “FA Sustainability Standard for Nursery and Greenhouse Production” provides a comprehensive definition to guide nursery and greenhouse operators in achieving greater sustainability.
• The “FA Sustainability Evaluation Tool” allows growers to self-assess current sustainability performance – and set sustainability objectives – either as a prelude to certification or as a best management practice.
• The voluntary “FA Sustainability Certification Program” gives producers a credible way to distinguish their sustainably-managed operation and products in the marketplace, to customers and consumers.

The FA Sustainability Standard for Nursery and Greenhouse Production covers resource conservation, integrated pest management, safe and fair working conditions, wildlife habitat and biodiversity conservation – along with operational efficiencies such as energy use, recycling, and waste disposal.

The standard applies to all ornamental plant producers across North America, including field, container, and greenhouse production.

The FA Sustainability Standard for Nursery and Greenhouse Production was developed with input from industry stakeholders including land grant colleges, researchers, extension specialists, industry organizations and production specialists. Funding has been provided by Meyer Memorial Trust, the Bullitt Foundation, the Nike Employee Grant Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation and a USDA Specialty Crops Grant. Salmon Safe participation was courtesy of an Oregon Governor’s Grant for the Environment.

For more information on the FA Sustainability Standard for Nursery and Greenhouse Production and the FA Sustainability Certification Program, visit www.foodalliance.org/nursery or email roberta@foodalliance.org.