Ornamental Horticulture Assurance Scheme (OHAS)

The Ornamental Horticulture Assurance Scheme (OHAS) is an initiative developed by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) to ensure that the plants and products being sold by its members meet certain standards of quality and sustainability. OHAS provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for growers and suppliers, with the aim of promoting best practices and improving the overall quality of ornamental horticultural products.

Development of OHAS by the Horticultural Trades Association

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is a UK-based trade association representing horticultural businesses, including nurseries, garden centres, and landscapers. In response to concerns about the quality and sustainability of ornamental horticultural products, the HTA developed the Ornamental Horticulture Assurance Scheme (OHAS) in 2005. The scheme was designed to provide a set of industry-wide standards for horticultural products, with the aim of promoting best practices and improving the overall quality of products.

The Ornamental Horticulture Assurance Scheme Guidelines

The OHAS guidelines cover a wide range of issues related to ornamental horticulture, including plant health, environmental sustainability, and quality control. For example, the guidelines provide recommendations for the responsible use of pesticides and other chemicals, as well as guidelines for sustainable water use and waste management. In addition, the guidelines cover issues such as plant propagation, plant labeling and traceability, and packaging and transport.

Benefits of OHAS

The Ornamental Horticulture Assurance Scheme (OHAS) provides a range of benefits to both growers and suppliers, as well as consumers. For growers and suppliers, OHAS certification provides a way to demonstrate their commitment to quality and sustainability, which can help to differentiate their products in the marketplace. In addition, OHAS certification can help growers and suppliers to identify areas for improvement and to implement best practices for plant health, environmental sustainability, and quality control. For consumers, OHAS certification provides a way to identify products that meet certain standards of quality and sustainability, which can help to build trust and confidence in the products they purchase.

Conclusion

The Ornamental Horticulture Assurance Scheme (OHAS) is an important initiative developed by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) to promote best practices and improve the overall quality of ornamental horticultural products. The OHAS guidelines cover a wide range of issues related to plant health, environmental sustainability, and quality control, and OHAS certification provides a range of benefits to both growers and suppliers, as well as consumers. Overall, OHAS is a valuable tool for promoting sustainable and responsible practices in the ornamental horticulture industry.

Find out more: HTA.org.uk

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