Jan 7, 2011
C. Raker & Sons Starts Sustainable Certification ProgramSource: MPS

C. Raker & Sons is another new participant to the MPS-ABC sustainable certification program. Dr. Paul Karlovich, general manager at Raker, is looking forward to using the MPS program to better understand how Raker compares to other growers, including the European growers.

“Although we have done a lot to make our business more sustainable over the years, the MPS-ABC program will validate how we compare and challenge us to continue to improve,” said Karlovich. “A third part certification gives us an unbiased review of our operations, and I particularly like the fact that MPS began as a program for floriculture growers, specific for our industry.”

Karlovich and his team began the MPS program last fall and found the program to be fairly simple to get started. With the help of the MPS regional coordinator, they have begun to register their use of energy, water, fertilizers and crop protection agents, and document the recycling that Raker has been doing.

To learn more about MPS certification, contact Charlotte Smit, West Coast coordinator at 805.524.9685, or Sandy Hering, East Coast coordinator, at 508.758.3008.

Click here to read the September 2010 Big Grower cover story on C. Raker & Sons.