BOGOTA, Colombia, July 8 /PRNewswire/ --
Florverde(R) has announced a significant milestone for both the organization and the flower industry in Colombia. GLOBALGAP (The Global Partnership for Good Agricultural Practice) has recognized Florverde's socio-environmental practices with the GLOBALGAP international seal; Florverde and GLOBALGAP standards are now equivalent and mutually accepted by all trading partners. The GLOBALGAP seal and standard is one of the most important and recognizable certifications in the world promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
"This is an important step for Colombian floriculture," indicated Augusto Solano, President of Asocolflores. "The standards of these two certifications -- Florverde and GLOBALGAP -- preserve and protect fertile soil and natural resources with the mission to achieve sustainable agriculture. Retailers and flower wholesalers around the world will be able to recognize and feel more confident than ever before that Florverde meets these high international standards."
Before receiving certification, GLOBALGAP actively observed Florverde operations for more than a year. After meeting and exceeding the stringent GLOBALGAP requirements, the more than 100 Florverde certified farms are now internationally recognized as GLOBALGAP certified. Additionally, Florverde has been invited to participate in GLOBALGAP's development and governing committees that set standards for agriculture and environmental practices around the world.
"For the past twelve years, Florverde farms have been committed to leading the flower industry in social and environmental practices," stated Solano. "We're pleased that our efforts have been recognized by GLOBALGAP, one of the most important standards and certification programs in the world."
GLOBALGAP is a private sector body that sets voluntary standards for the certification of agricultural products around the globe. The GLOBALGAP standard and certification is designed to reassure trade partners that the most advanced and beneficial production methods and processes are adhered to by certified farms. Complying with the international standard minimizes detrimental environmental impacts of farming operations, reduces the use of chemical inputs and ensures a responsible and comprehensive approach to worker health and safety.
About Florverde
Established in 1996, with the Spanish name meaning "green flowers," the Florverde program has made ongoing advancements to improve Colombian workers' quality of life and to ensure that Colombian-grown flowers meet specific, environmental standards. The Florverde-certification program was created by Asocolflores, the association representing Colombia's flower growers and exporters, with a vision to leading the flower industry and improving practices by establishing and regulating a strict set of social and environmental standards, as well as a code of conduct. Today, more than 171 farms, covering more than 7,600 acres devoted to growing flowers in Colombia, have qualified for, or are in the process of qualifying for, Florverde certification.
Web site: http://www.florverde.org
Jairo Cadavid, +1-571-257-9311, Ext: 0115, jcadavid@asocolflores.org, or Natalia Ochoa, +1-571-257-9311, Ext: 0160, comunicaciones@asocolflores.org, both of Florverde
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