We are proud to be holders of a GLOBAL G.A.P certificate. This reflects the effort and work we put in each year in sustaining good agricultural practices. We were first awarded this certificate in 2015 and became the first foliage company in Ireland to achieve this, which we hold with great pride as it exemplifies our long standing commitment to sustainability. Our team works diligently throughout the year to make sure that all requirements are met and that standards are upheld.

G.R.A.S.P.

GRASP is a add on module to GLOBALGAP that focuses on employee's health, safety, and welfare. FP commenced the certification process in 2019 with our auditing partner the NSF. This process had to be suspended as there are no National Interpretation Guidelines (NIG's) in Ireland. The audit has 11 sections with 55 questions with 5 requiring NIG's with only 3 of these being relevant to Forest Produce and relating to contracts, working hours, wages, and breaks. The company has been working with Board Bia to develop these NIG's and Board Bia submitted a document to GLOBALGAP in April 2022.

Bord Bia has let the company know that it is holding off any follow up with GLOBALGAP until version 6 of GLOBAL G.A.P is available, as the structure of the standard in V6 simplifies the process of accreditation effectively it can add the GLOBAL G.A.P Flowers and Ornamental Standard to the scope without needing an extension to scope from Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB).

Bord Bia has also let the company know that international retailers operating in the Irish Market seeking GRASP for Fresh produce have accepted the Bord Bia SHAS as meeting their requirements. Board Bia is not benchmarking the SHAS scheme to GRASP as this they feel it would dilute its own branding. Forest Produce has the Board Bia SHAS certification and operates the business in compliance with GRASP standards and confirmed compliance to these standards by internal audit.

Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI 2025)

Since the start of 2023 we have been a member of the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI 2025). This is crucial to the development of our sustainability journey as it requires us to meet the standards they have set out, which include reducing carbon emissions and verifying the source of our products. It also presents us with the opportunity to network with others within the initiative and discuss their sustainability journey and how they are meeting their goals. We have been leaders in sustainability within the cut foliage industry and are delighted to be part of the FSI in our journey to becoming a more sustainable company.