WEST CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MPS, the organization that manages sustainability certification for the international flower and ornamentals industry, is pleased to award MPS-GAP status to the Ball FloraPlant Las Limas production farm in Nicaragua. With MPS-GAP, facilities can promote their “Good Agricultural Practices” through the requirements of traceability, environment, worker safety and site cleanliness. It offers a transparent look at business practices and protocols that benefit suppliers and customers.
“Ball FloraPlant is thrilled to accept this certification on behalf of its hardworking Las Limas team,” says Ball FloraPlant President Mike Klopmeyer. “We are proud of our dedicated protocols and impressive facility, as well as its managers and committed staff who produce the best cuttings for our customers.”
Las Limas began its MPS journey in 2012 and maintains an MPS-A+ rating, which measures ongoing sustainability efforts. MPS-GAP is globally recognized by the industry’s supply chain as a top standard for progressive and successful companies and was a logical next-step for the facility.
“It has been a road filled with a lot of energy and effort invested by the whole team at Las Limas. With this certification they have reached a true milestone,” says Arthij van der Veer, MPS General Coordinator for North & Central America. “Having witnessed all the efforts first-hand over the past seven years, it is an honor on behalf of MPS to bestow this achievement, and we look forward to keep improving together.”
MPS worked closely with Las Limas General Manager Alex Meneses. The MPS-GAP checklist includes an inspection of whether equipment is maintained on a regular basis, and how employees handle pesticides and fertilizers. Risk reduction and product traceability are also key standards reviewed for MPS-GAP certification.
Some of the key initiatives of Las Limas that helped earn MPS-GAP include: Maintaining a process on material delivery; upgraded fuel facilities according to national norm NTON 14-024-14; and annual first aid (CPR and Heimlich maneuver) certification brigades and safe chemicals handling certification, which supports the Ball FloraPlant commitment to product traceability, sustainability and safety.
To learn more about the Las Limas facility and Ball FloraPlant, please visit www.ballfloraplant.com.
About MPS
MPS develops and manages sustainability certification for the international flower and ornamentals industry as well as through its sister organization MPS-ECAS. The MPS-ABC certificate is recognized around the world as the international standard. While based in the Netherlands, MPS is active in 46 countries. In total, more than 3,000 growers participate in MPS-ABC around the world (4,300 production locations). In North America 76 growers are currently participating in MPS-ABC. For more information on MPS please visit www.my-mps.com.
About Ball FloraPlant
Ball FloraPlant is a leading breeder and producer of vegetative propagated plant varieties. This quality-focused brand has won critical acclaim for its advanced Ball Certified Plants® disease-free certification program with an unprecedented record for turning out clean, healthy cuttings. For more information, visit ballfloraplant.com.
