PanAmerican Seed recently announced that its production facility in Lompoc, Calif., has earned MPS-A environmental certification. The 200-acre facility underwent a year of record keeping and an independent audit before being cited for its environmentally friendly cultivation.
“Although this is still a work in progress, we are pleased that we have established a benchmark for this PanAmerican Seed facility and can continue to work to lessen our impact on the environment,” said Budd LaRue, general manager of the Lompoc facility.
Based in Holland, MPS is a not-for-profit international certification organization that promotes sustainable horticulture production and social responsibility. The MPS system rates growers for their use of energy, water, recycling, fertilizers and chemicals.
Lompoc attributes its high MPS-A rating to extensive soil sampling, drip irrigation in its fields, and a goal to provide optimum growing environments for seed production while minimizing the use of chemicals, and maintaining or improving the ecosystems they are grown in.
“We are honored with this MPS-A certification for our Lompoc facility, as it reflects Ball Horticultural Company’s continued commitment to ‘grow a green future,’” said Bill Doeckel, General Manager, Ball Innovations. “MPS certification helps us meet the strict requirements of our supply and retail chain, and shows our dedication to being environmentally responsible.”
To learn more about Ball Horticultural Companies’ sustainable solutions, visit www.ballhort.com/sustainable. For more information on MPS, see their website: www.my-mps.com.