Officials from the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CAAC) and China Flower Association (CFA) have decided to implement the MPS certification scheme in the Yunnan Province (the 1° province for cut-flower production in China). MPS certification is acknowledged as helping to protect the environment, improve flower quality and boost flower exports. A memorandum of understanding has been signed. Before MPS standards can be introduced, a database to analyse the use of plant chemicals in floriculture will be established. This is likely to take 2 years. According to the rules of MPS, the threshold for market access will be raised and the standards will get stricter. The change is aimed to improve flower quality and the image of Chinese products on the international market. MPS certification will represent an additional and important standard in the Yunnan Flower Standardization System relating to young plants, bulbs and packaging. Sean Fang “China Flower & Gardening News” |
|