Most people are familiar with certified organic foods. But what about ornamental plants in our built environments, and so-called “native” or “pollinator friendly” plants meant to provide wildlife benefit? The ornamental plant industry includes both floriculture (cut-flowers) and horticulture (nursery plants). In both industries, most plants are produced using high levels of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, with little regulatory oversight. Some growers promise “spray free,” “neonic free,” or “pesticide free” stems or plants, but these are informal promises that have no process for verifiability.
In this January 14 Xerces Society webinar, Matthew Dell, owner and general manager of Treadlight Farm, discusses why organic certification makes sense for ornamental plant production, especially for native plants, and the opportunities and challenges organic certification presents.
The project is a collaboration between Xerces Society and Treadlight Farm and is supported by the Carroll Petrie Foundation. This event is intended for ornamental plant, native plant, and retail nurseries but anyone with an interest in the topic is welcome!
This January 14 webinar will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar. Learn more and register today!
