Elzinga & Hoeksema Greenhouses initiates MPS-ABC certification program

Mark Elzinga, owner of Elzinga & Hoeksema Greenhouses in Portage, Mich., has initiated a MPS-ABC sustainable certification program for his operation. The company has five locations with over 30 acdres of production. Its Millennial range is equipped with geothermal heat, solar panels and wind energy, and includes 4 acres of USDA organic production.
“I liked the European way of looking at the environment and involving our associates and getting a comparison of how we are doing versus other North American growers and European growers,” Elzinga said. “We are proud of many of the things we do which are good for the environment, and are glad that we have been able to create a culture in our organization which encourages everyone to do their part as good stewards of the environment: recycling, researching new growing practices, thinking and caring about wasteful use of resources as we complete our tasks. I value the MPS-ABC program as it is a scorecard to help us understand what we can do better and how we compare to other growers.”
Elzinga & Hoeksema must first record its use of fertilizers, crop protection agents, energy, water and document its recycling. In a year, the company will receive its first MPS score. After one year and an audit, the score will document a comparison to other growers, and become a management tool for the company’s internal use.

Pictured: Mark Elzinga, owner of Elzinga & Hoeksema Greenhouses in Portage, Mich., has initiated a MPS-ABC sustainable certification program for his operation.