Waterloo, WI: Today, McKay Nursery Company, a nursery specializing in growing and selling wholesale and retail plants, is announcing that they are the 1st ever nursery certified in the national Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) program. After a new science-based framework was developed under a unique state-federal-industry partnership, McKay Nursery was one of eight nurseries selected across the United States to participate in the pilot program before all nurseries can participate. Seven other pilot nurseries are closing in on certification and will join this SANC team focused on minimizing and mitigating the spread of pests by a systems approach that facilitates the growth of healthy vigorous green industry products.
The SANC program is designed to address nursery certification of plants. The goal of this standard is to facilitate implementation of risk-based nursery & greenhouse certification system utilizing state authorities and programs to enhance uniformity, increase efficiency and reduce pest distribution through the nursery supply chain.
Of the company’s recent certification, McKay Nursery’s Head of Production Tom Buechel said, “Being certified in SANC guarantees customers the healthiest plants possible and they can rest assured in purchasing with us. Emerging and ongoing pest problems in the nursery production business costs businesses and consumers a lot of money. If you don’t know how your plants were produced you run the risk of getting inadequate plants and will possibly end up spending more of your time and money. The cooperation of other pilot nurseries, states, the National Plant Board and AmericanHort has provided the necessary teamwork for us to accomplish and reach our goal of certification. It is through these certifications that we can give consumers the highest level of assurance and confidence and that McKay will continue to be a leader in the nursery industry.”
To gain this elite certification, the pilot nurseries have to follow the SANC standard, which requires:
1. Certified plant material is free from quarantine pests (prevent entry or spread of dangerous pests)
based on regulatory compliance agreements.
2. Non quarantine plant materials have been actively scouted, problems mitigated and eliminated using
effective methods responsibly.
3. Plants have been grown in a management system that prevents and minimizes plant pest risk.
4. Ensure the integrity of the SANC program is preserved through plant material traceability records, staff trainings, documenting/taking corrective actions and completing multiple annual internal and external audits.
About McKay Nursery: McKay is a nursery and landscaping company based in Waterloo, WI. Founded in 1897, McKay has created and planted over 3 billion plants. McKay continues to focus on leading the plant & landscaping business through sustainability efforts & efficient production methods. http://www.mckaynursery.com
Source: McKay Nursery Company
