Emeryville, California
July 14, 2008
- SCS expands VeriFlora®
program to include approved materials manufacturers
- BioWorks is first to
receive approval under expanded program
Scientific Certification
Systems (SCS) announces the expansion of the
VeriFlora Program, a
sustainability certification program for plants and flowers, to
include the approval of products and input materials that
support sustainable production practices.
BioWorks, Inc., a
leading manufacturer of biological pest and disease management
products for the floriculture and horticulture industries, is
the first company to achieve such approval.
The first approved product, RootShield Granules®, is a
beneficial fungus which provides season-long control of root
diseases. It has undergone extensive efficacy testing to
demonstrate its effectiveness as compared to traditional
chemical alternatives. Test reports concluded that, “RootShield
Granules can replace or significantly reduce the use of various
chemical fungicides used to control root diseases ….” At the
same time, it is non-toxic to humans and animals, and is
considered environmentally safe for use on ornamental and
vegetable crops.
“Many growers and retailers concerned about sustainability are
looking for independent guidance to decide which input
materials, plant pots and containers, and other products can
support their sustainability objectives,” said Linda Brown,
Executive Vice President of SCS. “We’ve established the
VeriFlora Approved Material Manufacturers program to address
this need.”
SCS launched the VeriFlora Certified Sustainably Grown program
in 2005 to certify nursery plants, potted plants and cut flowers
produced in an environmentally sustainable and socially
responsible manner, while meeting the highest standards for
freshness and quality. Since its launch in 2005, VeriFlora
certification has become the sustainability benchmark in the
North American horticulture and floriculture markets.
John Francis, Director of Marketing and Technical Services at
BioWorks noted, “As our company tagline, ‘How You Grow Matters,’
suggests, we are committed to providing environmentally
responsible, safe and cost-effective solutions to the industry.
VeriFlora approval is an excellent third-party confirmation of
our efforts.”
The company, based in Victor, NY, has gained widespread
recognition for its innovative product line.
About Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) -- SCS is an
independent certifier of environmental, sustainability, food
quality and food purity claims. For more than two decades, SCS
has developed internationally recognized standards and
certification programs aimed at spurring the highest level of
environmental improvements, social accountability and product
performance. Its programs span a wide cross-section of the
economy, recognizing accomplishments in agricultural production,
food processing and handling, forestry, fisheries, flowers and
plants, energy, green building, consumer and business product
manufacturing, and retail.
BioWorks, Inc., a privately held company, provides
environmentally responsible, safe and cost-effective solutions
to the horticulture industry. |
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