November 15, 2010
Ontario sod growers begin Green Certification Program
The Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario (NSGA) has initiated a green certification program.
Peter Rauwerda, NSGA president, stated, “We are really excited about the interest our members have shown in this new program, and we are ready to promote it to our consumers. This strictly voluntary program provides assurances that NSGA members meet or exceed standards for water conservation, water source protection, soil conservation, and approved nutrient application.”
The program is designed to certify sod operations that are meeting the NSGA standards. In order to receive certification, all sites owned or leased by a grower must participate in an on-site audit conducted by Validus, the approved third-party audit firm for the NSGA. Upon certification, each operation must submit an annual report and conduct an on-site verification audit a minimum of once every three years.
Qualified growers will receive their NSGA green certification certificate and be included on the NSGA list of approved “Green Certified” providers. All Green Certified NSGA members are listed on the NSGA website,
www.nsgao.com.
For more information on the Green Certification program or purchasing “Green Certified” sod, contact the NSGA at (519) 265-6742 or e-mail nsga@rogers.com.
Peter Rauwerda, NSGA president, stated, “We are really excited about the interest our members have shown in this new program, and we are ready to promote it to our consumers. This strictly voluntary program provides assurances that NSGA members meet or exceed standards for water conservation, water source protection, soil conservation, and approved nutrient application.”
The program is designed to certify sod operations that are meeting the NSGA standards. In order to receive certification, all sites owned or leased by a grower must participate in an on-site audit conducted by Validus, the approved third-party audit firm for the NSGA. Upon certification, each operation must submit an annual report and conduct an on-site verification audit a minimum of once every three years.
Qualified growers will receive their NSGA green certification certificate and be included on the NSGA list of approved “Green Certified” providers. All Green Certified NSGA members are listed on the NSGA website,
www.nsgao.com.
For more information on the Green Certification program or purchasing “Green Certified” sod, contact the NSGA at (519) 265-6742 or e-mail nsga@rogers.com.