EurepGAP launches a Standard for Propagation Material . This new standard provides nurseries and plant propagators with a set of criteria for Good Agricultural Practices.  

This standard follows the format of other EurepGAP codes, covering the critical areas from record keeping, crop protection products management, worker health and safety and environmental and social issues. It enables nurseries and plant propagators to ensure that their propagation material meet the demands that are set for farmers requiring EurepGAP certification for Fruit and Vegetables, Flowers and Ornamentals and Green Coffee.

During this year (rest of 2006), the standard will be in a trial phase for revision and certificates against EurepGAP Propagation Material will be issued in a non-accredited status, until the EurepGAP revision process for 2007 is finalized, to nurseries and plant propagators that voluntarily apply for certification.  The EurepGAP General Regulations for Fruit and Vegetables must be followed until the revised General Regulations are available in 2007. Inspectors that qualify as Fruit and Vegetables inspectors according to Appendix 2 of the General Regulations may do inspections against this standard.

The code is freely available on the www.eurepgap.org Website in the relevant document sections.