Florverde® standards

Florverde® demands absolute compliance with enforceable requirements:

Promoting environmental conservation


Water and irrigation management

Florverde® certification requires the efficient use of water to ensure its conservation, guarantee its long-term availability to assure ongoing flower production, and to mitigate contamination and reduce the environmental impact on underground and surface water. Companies that are seeking Florverde® certification for their products optimize their use of water by implementing an efficient-use and water conservation plan, measuring water in-take and usage; capturing, directing, storing and  making use of rain water as one of their main sources, utilizing high-efficiency watering systems, and carrying out strict control of water consumption through the ongoing use of Florverde® information system indicators.

Soils, substrates and fertilizers

Florverde® requires the safe use and management of fertilizers through practices directed towards preventing physical and chemical deterioration of the soil. To accomplish this, companies must implement fertilization programs based on foliar and soil analyses, establish a fertilization monitoring program, practice safe fertilizer usage and storage, and document the consumption of all products by employing the Florverde Information System.

Integrated pest management (IPM)

Florverde® standards require that companies give priority to using natural non-chemical control strategies, utilizing pesticides rationally and safely and applying at the lowest levels possible based on monitoring and scouting. When pesticides and chemicals must be used, the Standard mandates their safe management through strategies oriented towards minimizing chemical health risks to those responsible for handling and applying chemicals, and by minimizing liquid and solid waste.
All spray equipment must be regularly calibrated and pesticides administered under safe conditions to minimize risks, and strict documentation of pesticide consumption is maintained.
In the Standard, only chemicals allowed by WHO, US EPA or EU are permitted for use.

Integrated waste management

Florverde® develops a company culture that reduces waste. Final disposal is carried out according to applicable legislation and best agricultural practices. This requires that certified companies implement waste management training programs. Waste is collected at the source, recycling and reuse programs are implemented, and there is controlled and managed final disposal of inorganic, household and dangerous waste.

Landscaping and biodiversity

Florverde® promotes the preservation and conservation of natural ecosystems, the harmonization of floriculture within its regional context, and the esthetic improvement of company work settings. It strives to have companies set up landscaping units on the farm and carry out planned management of existing vegetation. Companies must establish planting programs, work plans for landscape management, and use natural live fences around property lines and bodies of water.

Top

Respecting the rights of workers

Basic labor regulations

Florverde standards expressly prohibit discrimination of any kind. This includes pre-employment pregnancy testing and any form of discrimination against pregnant women or any worker for any cause, under any type of employment. Child labor is explicitly prohibited and no minor under the age of 18 is permitted to work. Forced labor is also explicitly prohibited.

Personnel administration

Under the Florverde® companies must establish clear procedures that not only comply with all applicable laws and regulations, but go beyond it in the areas of personnel selection and employment. They must effectively comply with hiring arrangements, settlements, pay and termination of employment for workers, in addition to developing procedures for complaint resolution and processes to keep workers well informed of their employment rights.

Ensuring welfare and education for everyone


Employee training

Companies seeking Florverde® certification must guarantee that they perform on-going review of training needs and develop systems for performance assessment.
The training programs required by Florverde® for certification also promote opportunities for workers to participate in topics of interest and develop activities that are geared toward the promotion and disclosure of basic rights. Farms provide training and education for all their workers on how to carry out flower production in a safe work environment.

Labor and social welfare

Farms with a Florverde® certification provide a significant number of benefits and social programs for workers and their families, in addition to those legally required. These include fulfilling legal requirements in hiring and pay, having access to facilities such as cafeterias, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and showers, just to mention a few.

Guaranteeing the health and safety of the workers


Through the high requirements of proactive human resource administration, Florverde® helps workers find opportunities for on-the-job development as well as for their personal welfare and growth. Its social standards stimulate ongoing improvement and promote a better quality of life for the workers.

Occupational health

Florverde® calls for preventative medicine and work programs. Hygiene and industrial safety programs are stipulated in the standard, and the formation and operation of occupational health committees is verified.