Green Certification

The Nursery Sod Growers Association of Ontario (NSGA) is pleased to announce their new socially responsible “Green” Certification program. After two years of diligent work and testing, the program is available to all members of the NSGA. The goal of the program is to meet the desired expectations of consumers to protect natural resources, enhance conservation through best management practices, provide a safe workplace environment, promote recycling and enhance community relations. This strictly voluntary program provides assurances that NSGA members meet or exceed standards for water conservation, water source protection, soil conservation, and approved nutrient application. In addition, the program promotes a safe workplace environment, recycling and community relations. The program is designed to certify sod operations that are meeting the NSGA standards. In order to receive certification, all sites owned or leased by a grower must participate in an on-site audit conducted by Validus, the approved third-party audit firm for NSGA. Upon certification, each operation must submit an annual report and conduct an on-site verification audit a minimum of once every three years. Growers certified will receive their NSGA “Green” Certification certificate and be listed on the NSGA certified growers web site list of approved “Green” providers.