Southern Woods has recently undergone an audit for the Plant Pass framework, and we are now Plant Pass-certified growers. This accreditation is a recognition of the company’s commitment to good biosecurity practices and provides assurance for plant buyers. But what really is Plant Pass?

Plant Pass is a systematic approach to biosecurity risk management in nurseries. Plant Pass is a voluntary certification scheme for New Zealand plant producers to recognise good biosecurity practices and provide assurance for plant buyers. It’s designed to harness the critical skills and observations that exist in the plant production industry to strengthen biosecurity.

How Plant Pass works:

• Is a single system recognising and managing the complexity and diversity among plant producers.
• Provides a framework for end-to-end risk management from nursery inputs, through production, to plant buyers and their environments.
• Increases plant producer responsiveness to pest threats before nursery stock is distributed to its customers.
• Strengthens traceability.
• Strengthens nursery hygiene measures, pest risk management and establishes certified plant producers as trusted suppliers.

The certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to good biosecurity practices, which are critical to the industry’s long-term sustainability.

Commenting on the accreditation, Southern Woods Quality Manager, Michael Buckland said, “We are proud to have achieved the Plant Pass certification. At Southern Woods, we have always prioritised good biosecurity practices, and this accreditation recognises our commitment to producing high-quality plants and providing our customers with the assurance they need.”

If you would like more information on Plant Pass check out their website www.plantpass.org.nz