Young plant grower looks to become more sustainable

Van de Wetering Greenhouses in Jamesport, N.Y., has begun the process to become MPS certified. Started in 1986, the family-owned business operates about 20 acres of greenhouses producing primarily young plants.
Company vice president Walter Gravagna said the growers started the certification process because of its customers.
“They (customers) wanted to have their product certified and know it was produced in an environmentally friendly manor. As we began looking into various certification programs, we decided we wanted more than just a certification. We wanted a program that we would benefit from,” Gravagna said.
Before the company began certification, it had implemented some environmental practices, including recycling trays and as many other materials as possible and trying to be as “environmentally correct” as possible. Now that the company has begun the certification program, Gravagna said the process has brought attention to other details and helps the company’s 125 employees focus on the important steps that should be a part of their everyday business practices.