Accreditations

EcoHort - the environmental management system for Australian nursery production

Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) in partnership with Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) have developed a set of guidelines that provide a systematic approach for production nurseries to assess their environmental and natural resource management responsibilities.

What is EcoHort?

EcoHort is the industry-specific set of guidelines or Environmental Management System (EMS). It is a method by which a grower can demonstrate to industry, government and the community their sound environmental and natural resource stewardship. Adopting the process of EcoHort will allow you to show that your business:

1. Has utilised a recognized system for assessing likely environmental and natural resource impacts,

2. Is managing these impacts in a responsible and sustainable manner.

For businesses that have invested time and money into systems and technology that advance the business while enhancing environmental and natural resource outcomes, EcoHort offers a practical means of gaining recognition for these efforts.

Setting the standards for the professional management of production nurseries and growing media suppliers in Australia

The Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme (NIASA) is a national scheme for production nurseries - growers and growing media - potting mix businesses which operate in accordance with a set of national ‘best practice' guidelines.

Any wholesale/production nursery or growing media/potting mix manufacturer in Australia can join NIASA if they implement the NIASA Best Practice Guidelines. Membership is voluntary and participants are not required to belong to a nursery & garden industry association.

NIASA Best Practice Management Guidelines 
The NIASA Best Practice Guidelines have been developed over a period of years by respected industry representatives and researchers. The guidelines describe industry ‘Best Management Practice' spelling out technical and management requirements.

The guidelines are regularly reviewed, ensuring they cover relevant and current production and environmental issues.