Finally, when these standards have been met, a farm may be audited to become certified to Fairtrade. Other certifications held by various farms include:

MPS A, B, C
MPS main goals are:

• reducing the environmental impact of participating companies
• improving or maintaining the image of the floriculture industry
• one window for registration and certification

These goals are formulated on the basis of signals from the market and from society as sustainable and socially acceptable production is a must. MPS’ environmental registrations system was developed to meet these goals and is already used by thousands of growers in many countries.

www.my-mps.com

EUREP GAP
All growers must comply with EUREP GAP ornamental standard. This specifies Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) for ornamental crops. The standard includes correct use of pesticides and fertilizers as well as environmental protection.

Fairtrade
Fairtrade guarantees a better deal to producers in the developing world. This means a stable price which covers their production costs, along with a premium that their organisation will be able to reinvest either in the business or social and environmental schemes among the wider community.

www.fairtrade.org.uk
www.fairtrade.net

British Ornamental Plant Producers (BOPP)
The BOPP Packhouse standard requires strict quality assurance and feasability systems to ensure excellent quality in-store and for the consumer.

www.bopp.org.uk

ETI Base Code
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) is an alliance of companies, non-governmental organisations and the trade union organisations. It exists to promote and improve the implementation of the corporate codes of practice which cover supply chain working conditions. Its ultimate goal is to ensure that the working conditions of workers producing for the UK market meet or exceed international labour standards.

www.ethicaltrade.org

Horticultural Ethical Business Initiative
This is a Kenyan initiative currently at its pilot stage. It employs a different method of auditing to other accreditations based on more intimate interviews detailing improvements or problems that can be addressed in the lives of workers and their families.

Kenya Flower Council
The Kenyan Flower Council has four stated aims and objectives:

• to foster the responsible and safe production of cut flowers
• to promote a safe working environment
• to ensure the welfare of all workers
• to grow flowers in such a manner as to safeguard the environment

By joining the Kenyan Flower Council, members commit themselves to the requirements and standards of the Code and make themselves available for continuous 6-monthly farm audits.

www.kenyaflowers.co.ke