Milieu Programma Sierteelt (MPS)

MPS (the Dutch “Milieu Programma Sierteelt”) was initially launched in 1995 by the Dutch flower auctions in close cooperation with growers, educators and researchers. As an internationally accredited certification organization, MPS’ goal is to reduce the environmental impact of floriculture production on the environment while improving the sector’s image as a whole. Participants strive to create a better environment by monitoring the use of pesticides, fertilizers, energy and waste, and in return, can achieve an MPS A, B or C level label certification.

In addition MPS offers participants the ability to focus on the social aspects of the flower industry, particularly on health, safety and working conditions. By doing so, participants can earn the MPS Socially Qualified certificate. There is also a label developed especially for the retail channel called MPS-GAP certificate (visit www.my-mps.com for information on MPS-GAP).

MPS has approximately 4,000 participants in 30 countries around the world.

Every four weeks during this first year period, Participants record their usage of pesticides, fertilizers, energy and waste, and send this information to MPS for processing. MPS auditors review the data and award points to the farm for each environmental effort met. At the end of the first year, the Participant can then be certified MPS A, B or C, based on the number of points awarded (farms with the most points are awarded MPS A), and can also use the MPS A, B or C environmental label to market their products.

After this first year period and the initial certification, farms continue to submit their information to MPS every four weeks. Four times a year after the first year, MPS reviews and revises each farm’s rating (MPS A, B, or C) based on the information submitted and number of points awarded. Thus, a farm’s certification may change from A to B to C and back to A in one year, based on the number of points it receives.

Participants can lose their certification if any of the audits show that the farm is not complying with the MPS requirements.

MPS Socially Qualified certificate worker health/treatment/social issue facts:
* Forced labor practices are prohibited.
* Employees have the right to form and join trade unions, and collective bargaining is recognized.
* Working conditions are safe and hygienic.
* Employees receive regular health and safety training.
* Farms provide clean restroom facilities with toilets, showers and washing facilities.
* Farms provide clean drinking water for employees and a separate kitchen for cooking, eating and food/drink storage.
* Where housing is provided, it meets the minimum standards for size, ventilation, cooking facilities, water supply and sanitary facilities.
* Child labor is prohibited.
* Minimum wages and additional social benefits are guaranteed.
* Employees can apply for jobs/training on equal terms, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, color, marital status, sexual orientation, political opinion, religion or social origin.
* Harassment at the workplace, particularly of female workers, is strictly prevented and enforced.
* Working hours should be no more than 48 hours per week and overtime (compensated at a premium rate) is on a voluntary basis (and not to exceed 12 hours per week).