Who can get certified?
Currently, Protected Harvest is the independent certifier and verifier for three certification labels: LODI RULES for winegrapes, SUSTAINABLE CITRUS for citrus growers, and BLOOMCHECK® for cut flowers, greens, and potted plants. Winegrape growers, citrus growers, and floral growers are eligible for certification under these programs.
How does it work?
To be certified, growers must participate in a significant number of the relevant standard’s practices identified as environmentally sound. For each crop certification label, a specific set of standards is developed based on the ecology and agronomy of the crop and the growing region. A point system is used that rewards growers for implementing ecologically based practices in the following management categories:
- Field scouting
- Information sources
- Pest management decisions
- Field management decisions
- Weed management
- Insect management
- Disease management
- Nutrient management
- Soil and water quality
- Materials handling and storage management
- Social responsibility
- Ecosystem management
A minimum number of points must be achieved in each category to qualify for certification. The growers communicate which practices they use through a self-assessment. This assessment is later verified through documentation and an onsite audit conducted by a qualified third-party auditor. The auditor issues a recommendation to Protected Harvest for certification, and Protected Harvest issues the final decision on certification.
2022 LODI RULES Certification Manual
Sustainable Citrus Certification Manual V2.0
BloomCheck Certification Manual V2.0