MPS Adds A+ Rating and Plans for A+ Natural Protected

Jennifer Duffield White

MPS is adding a new top tier to their MPS-ABC rating system for certifying sustainable growing operations. For several years now, they’ve been certifying horticulture businesses around the world on sustainability issues, giving each participant a “grade” of A, B or C based on a year-long audit. However, recently, the highest grade of “A” has been stacked with tons of high-performing growers. In order to recognize those at the very top of their game (and to offer more room for improvement), MPS added an A+ category. At the end of August, companies that score more than 90 points and meet some additional scoring requirements in crop protection, fertilizers and energy use will be identified as A+. In the future, MPS will introduce an A+ Natural Protected certificate, which will verify that only certain crop protection products, permitted in ecological growth, are used. More at www.my-mps.com. GT