NSGA Green Certification Program
The first green certification program of its kind for sod producers in North America.
The Nursery Sod Growers Association’s Green Certification Program was developed with the intent of establishing a third-party auditing program dedicated to the best management practices for natural grass sod production in Ontario.
This certification program is focused on:
- Increasing the level of professionalism in the natural grass sod industry.
- Promoting awareness of the sustainable practices used by sod growers to consumers and industry peers.
This voluntary program provides assurance to consumers that NSGA Green Certified members meet or exceed industry standards in natural grass sod production.
Best Practice Standards for Sod Production
Developed with the assistance of a third-party consulting organization that specializes in grower certification programs, the NSGA’s Green Certification Program sets out the following best practice standards, including:
- Water management
- Nutrient management
- Pesticide use
- Soil condition and erosion
- Record keeping and documentation
- Worker safety
- Recycling
- Community relations
- Standard operating procedures
The NSGA is committed to improving management standards and ensuring the standards are kept up-to-date with changes in provincial regulations and current environmental concerns.
Green Certified Growers
In order to receive certification, all sites owned or leased by a grower must participate in an on-site audit from an independent third-party. Upon certification, each operation must submit an annual report and conduct an on-site verification audit a minimum of once every three years.
Cambridge Sod, Division of Greenhorizons Group of Farms
1625 Kossuth Rd., Cambridge, ON, N3H 4R6
tel (519) 653-7494
fax (519) 653-0833
greenhorizons.net
Manderley Turf Products Inc.
14 Concourse Gate, Suite 2, Nepean, ON, K2E 7S6
tel (613) 225-7500, (800) 461-5501
fax (613) 225-7752
manderely.com
Willowlee Sod Farms Limited
908 Victoria Rd., Ameliasburg, ON, K0K 1A0
tel (613) 966-0338, (866) 966-0338
fax (613) 966-4724
willowleesod.com
Zander Sod Co. Limited
17525 Jane Street, R.R. #1, Kettleby, ON, L0G 1J0
tel (416) 364-5700, (877) 727-2100
fax (905) 727-8546
zandersod.com