VeriFlora™ Certified Sustainably Grown
Summary
VeriFlora is a sustainability certification program for fresh cut flowers and potted plants. The "VeriFlora Certified Sustainably Grown" label is your guarantee that flowers and potted plants have been produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and meet the highest standards for freshness and quality.
VeriFlora certification is conducted by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a leader in independent third party verification and sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry standards development.
The VeriFlora certification standard will be incorporated into the Draft American National Standard for Trial Use for Sustainable Agriculture (SCS-001).
From Seed to Store
To be certified under the VeriFlora program, farmers must comply with rigorous sustainability standards that address the following key issues:
Environmental Sustainability
- Sustainable Crop Production
- Ecosystem Management and Protection
- Resource Conservation & Energy Efficiency
- Integrated Waste Management
Social and Economic Sustainability
- Fair Labor Practices
- Community Benefits
Product Integrity
- Product Quality
- Product Safety and Purity
SCS’s inspectors are highly trained, with extensive industry experience and knowledge. These experts conduct farm audits to verify that agricultural, environmental and social practices meet VeriFlora’s tough sustainability standards. Once certified, products are meticulously tracked through the chain of custody from farm to store for quality control purposes.
In addition, SCS certifies floral shippers, wholesalers and distributors to ensure that certified flowers and potted plants are delivered to retail shelves and consumers in a manner that guarantees top quality freshness.
Bridging Organic and Sustainable Agriculture
While organic agriculture refers specifically to crop production practices that build soil fertility and control pests without the use of dangerous farm chemicals, sustainable agriculture is a broader concept encompassing farming practices that promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic viability.
VeriFlora bridges the gap between these two important areas of agricultural innovation. It recognizes organic as the top tier in crop production practices. At the same time, it certifies measurable aspects of environmental and social performance that extend well beyond organic.
The Gift of Sustainability
Sustainability is about meeting our current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. By choosing VeriFlora Certified Sustainably Grown flowers and plants, you are helping to sustain:
- People – by promoting a healthy, equitable workplace that supports farmers, workers, their families and the community.
- Environment – by encouraging farming practices that build soil, conserve water and support healthy ecosystems.
- Quality – by supporting handling practices from seed to store that allow you to enjoy flowers and plants that look beautiful and last longer.
Look for the VeriFlora Label
Ask your florist for VeriFlora Certified Sustainably Grown flowers and plants.
