SCS launches VeriFlora Preferred Retailer program

The VeriFlora Preferred Retailer Program is now available to florists and garden center retailers interested in promoting the sale of VeriFlora Certified Sustainably Grown cut flowers, greens, and potted plants. Stores will be listed and linked on the VeriFlora Web site for easy customer access.

VeriFlora certification has gained widespread recognition in the cut flower, potted plant and material input sectors. More than 1 billion stems of cut flowers, and 300 million potted plants, have been certified by the program administrator, Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), since 2005. VeriFlora certified products meet rigorous standards that protect the environment, support the needs of farmers, farm workers, their families and the community, and promote the highest delivered product quality throughout the distribution chain.

Dr. Michael Keyes, VeriFlora Certification Manager at SCS, said, “The VeriFlora Preferred Retail Program provides a new opportunity for retailers who want to proactively demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, and differentiate their floral business or garden center.”

Under the program, SCS trains retail staff about the environmental, social and quality requirements that must be met by growers and handlers of certified flowers and plants. Once this training is completed, stores are advised in the implementation of quality-control measures such as cold-chain management, guided in proper labeling, supplied with merchandising materials, and listed on the VeriFlora Web site.