Dewar Nurseries earns Veriflora certification

Dewar Nurseries Inc. of Apopka, Fla., has met the stringent requirements to earn Veriflora certification for sustainability in the growing process. Veriflora certification requires growers to meet strict sustainable agriculture standards including water conservation, energy efficiency, ecosystem protection, and integrated waste management. In addition, growers must comply with fair labor practices that ensure a safe, equitable and healthy work environment, and industry-leading product quality requirements.

Veriflora certification is conducted by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a global third-party certifier of environmental, sustainability and agricultural product quality claims. This independent certification process involves detailed on-site inspections, documentation audits, in-depth interviews, annual monitoring and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement.
 
“We are excited to welcome Dewar Nurseries to the Veriflora program,” said Nathan Smith, SCS’ Food and Agriculture Sustainability Services Director. “When growers’ products are Certified Sustainably Grown™ it differentiates them from competitors and provides their clients with the assurance that they support fair labor practices and environmental sustainability in their operations.”

“Dewar Nurseries has, over the years, had a deep desire to be a good community citizen, giving back in many ways to local outreach," said Alex Dewar, co-owner of Dewar Nurseries. “When, in recent years, the Veriflora program became the premier program to spotlight the need for sustainable practices in crop production and responsibility for good stewardship of our resources and environment, as well as ethical relationships with our employees, we enthusiastically embarked on the effort. While we have always had such concerns, the Veriflora program will surely, in the years going forward, multiply our focus on the environment and on people.”

Founded in 1963, Dewar Nurseries operates facilities in Orange County, Palm Beach County and Lake County, Fla., encompassing approximately 971,600 square feet of greenhouse space and 6 million square feet of open field production. Dewar grows containerized garden roses, poinsettias, hydrangeas, mums, Easter lilies, Asiatic and oriental and calla lilies, tulips and hyacinths, kalanchoes, hibiscus, an assortment of small fruits for the homeowner, and a program of perennials.