Westerlay Orchids starts MPS certification process

Westerlay Orchids in Carpinteria, Calif., has initiated the MPS-ABC certification process. Founded in 1978 as Westerlay Roses, the family-owned and operated company converted to potted orchids in 2003. The company currently grows about 600,000 phalaenopsis and cymbidium orchids. It supplies wholesalers, major national supermarkets and home improvement chains in California and adjacent states.
“We were looking for an effective way to monitor and benchmark the usage of water, energy and crop protection agents against both our own past performance and peer performance,” said managing partner Toine Overgaag.
Another reason for its certification efforts is the company is looking to communicate to its customers and members of the community that it is both environmentally responsible and involved in a continuous improvement process.