Standards
On October 29-30, 2007, the Leonardo Academy and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) co-hosted a meeting to start soliciting stakeholder input on SCS-drafted language to create a national standard for producers and handlers (including retailers) who want to make a claim of engaging in sustainable agriculture (includes ALL crops, including greenhouse and nursery crops) practices.

The intent of SCS is to get these draft standards adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) no later than April 2010. While OFA, in conjunction with other national associations, will make every effort to represent your interests in these discussions, because these standards may have a direct impact on how you operate in the future, it is vital that our entire community be aware and directly engaged to ensure that appropriate positions are taken.

If you would like to be added to the SCS/Leonardo Academy contact list for their updates, please contact Amanda Raster via email at amanda@leonardoacademy.org.
 
Current Draft of National Standard

Review of the Draft Standard - Development, purpose, structure, and requirements 

Background - Why a standard, why ANSI, and other background info

Timeline - For establishing the standard

Press Release - Launching the standard setting process

Leonardo Academy web site

Scientific Certification Systems web site

 
Resources from the 2008 OFA Short Course "Green" Nuts & Bolts Sessions
 
Articles
8 Steps to Take to Become Sustainable by Roberto G. Lopez, Stephanie E. Burnett, Brian A. Krug, and, Jennifer H. Dennis

Growers Look at Operating a Sustainable Greenhouse by Brian A. Krug, Stephanie E. Burnett, Jennifer H. Dennis and Roberto G. Lopez

12 Easy Options Move You Toward a Sustainable Greenhouse by Paul Thomas and Forrest Stegelin

Sustainable News Update by Jennifer Duffield White

Grandiflora Gets It - GrowerTalks April Cover Story

Don't Just Break the Rules... Change Them! by Jonathan Bardzik

What is the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative? by Bob Dolibois

Growing Ideas by P. Allen Hammer

BIGFOOT by Stan Pohmer

Today's Industry Gatekeepers by Visions Group
 
 
Where Green and Sustainable Meet by Jennifer Duffield White

The Eco Label Scene by Jennifer Duffield White and Marie-Francoise Petitjean

Driving Toward Change By Paige Worthy
 
Teleconferences & Meetings
Upcoming
 September 25-26, 2008 Standards Committee Kick-Off Meeting details
Past

Friday, Feb. 29, 2008  documents from meeting
Monday, Feb. 4, 2008  documents from teleconference
Monday, Jan. 7, 2008  documents from teleconference
Monday, Jan. 7, 2008  documents from teleconference
Monday, Dec. 3, 2007  documents from teleconference