NL: MPS launches new certification standard

With immediate effect, MPS is introducing MPS-Compact, a new certification standard specially designed for small-scale growers.

This certification offers growers with an annual turnover of up to €250,000 an easy way to meet the market's 100% sustainability certification requirement.

Global demand for transparent and responsible production in the ornamental horticulture sector is increasing. In the past, certification has often been a challenge for small-scale growers due to the high administrative burden and costs involved. With MPS-Compact, MPS now offers an accessible solution that fully meets FSI certification requirements while minimizing the administrative burden. The standard focuses on keeping environmental records of the use of crop protection agents, fertilizers, energy, water and waste, supplemented by basic Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) requirements.

With MPS-Compact, growers log the required data over a period of six months. After six months of record-keeping an audit can be scheduled, and if the assessment is successful the grower will receive their MPS-Compact certification. Follow-up audits take place once every three years, significantly reducing costs and administrative pressure. In addition, the standard offers the opportunity to move on to other MPS certifications such as MPS-ABC, MPS-GAP and MPS-SQ. Data already logged is retained, thus saving a good deal of time.

MPS-Compact is designed to help small-scale growers showcase their sustainability efforts and maintain market access. With this certification, growers can demonstrate that they meet the increasing demand for sustainability from customers, retailers and consumers.

From today, growers can register via FSI to have their suitability for the standard assessed and can then request a quotation from MPS. We advise growers to register promptly to avoid delays due to high demand.