EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Among the 70 million poinsettias Americans will purchase this year, a growing number are certified as Sustainably Grown. The Veriflora certification program, established by SCS Global Services (SCS) to stimulate and verify sustainable growing practices among plant and flower growers, recently surpassed the one billionth certified plant milestone, among which are poinsettias grown and sold by several North American farms, nurseries and greenhouses.
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Sustainable agriculture is a fast growing sector of the horticulture industry. Under the Veriflora program, growers who are key drivers of that growth have demonstrated that they are actively minimizing the environmental impact of their operations, supporting worker health, safety, and fair wages, and producing healthy, high quality products.
"Buying Veriflora Certified poinsettias and other plants is an excellent way to support the growers and communities intent on making a difference, and is consistent with the spirit of the holiday," says Dr. Michael Keyes, Sr. Natural Resources Specialist at SCS Global Services, and a participant in the diverse collaborative process that created the Veriflora program in 2004.
Veriflora certified poinsettia growers include: Bell Nursery, Dewar Nurseries, Eagle Creek Growers, F & B Farms and Nursery, Floral Plant Growers, Greenheart Farms, Knox Nursery, Kube-Pak, Lima Greenhouses, Mast Young Plants, Neal Mast & Son Greenhouses, Olson's Greenhouse Gardens, Rocket Farms, and Rockin' E Country Store & Greenhouses.
Veriflora certifies integrated pest management and reduced dependence on pesticides, so buyers know that companies are lowering the risk to the environment and to workers of exposure to harmful pesticides. Veriflora growers use practices aimed at increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste, protecting water resources, and ensuring fair labor practices, while simultaneously promoting transparency throughout the supply chain from farm to market. The certification process involves independent audits of growers' facilities, in-depth interviews, and detailed documentation reviews.
In the spirit of the season, consumers can choose Veriflora Certified Sustainably Grown poinsettias and other holiday plants at local florists, online retailers, and many major retailers. The Veriflora website also lists Veriflora Preferred retailers who have undertaken special steps to ensure the sustainability of the certified products they handle, as well as Veriflora certified peat moss producers and Veriflora approved input materials.
SCS Global Services (SCS) (formerly Scientific Certification Systems) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for nearly 30 years. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more. SCS provides accredited services under a wide range of internationally recognized certification programs. SCS is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp', reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.
Contact: Chip Wood, SCS Global Services, (510) 452-8020, cwood@scsglobalservices.com
SOURCE SCS Global Services
