Small-scale grower scheme
The updated certification scheme for small-scale growers. Less administration, still FSI-compliant
The small-scale grower scheme was developed to allow all growers to certify and meet FSI requirements with less administrative burden and at lower cost. This scheme is specifically tailored to their business operations
The scheme is suitable for small-scale growers with a total annual turnover from floriculture products of less than €250,000, operating in the ‘Global North' (mainly Europe and Israel).
Steps for growers who want to use this scheme:
- Application to FSI: Submit an application to FSI. FSI checks if you are a grower eligible for the small-scale grower scheme.
- Registration: With a positive report, you can apply to the certifying bodies or recognised registration tools. From spring 2025, the small-scale grower schemes MPS-Compact or FloriCompact will be available.
- Certification:If you obtain your certificate through one of these schemes, you meet the requirements of FSI.
Key deadlines:
- By January 1, 2026: All members and managers in member packs Direct Flex, Direct Focus, Auction Flex are 100% certified according to FSI requirements. Growers with a total company turnover of < €250,000 from floriculture products can make use of the small-scale grower scheme.
- By July 1, 2027: at the latest: all members in the Klok Focus member pack are 100% certified. Growers with product revenues of less than €250,000 can use the small-scale grower scheme. Small-scale Auction Focus growers will receive a one-time payment of €250 until July 1, 2027, if they can demonstrate that they are FSI-compliant.
Support for small-scale members
Small-scale members in the Auction Focus package can count on a contribution of €250* towards the costs of certification according to FSI requirements with a floriculture turnover of up to €250,000 (*note: This is a one-time reimbursement of €250 until July 1, 2027, if they are demonstrably FSI-compliant). In addition, examples and a checklist are being developed for all small-scale growers. All help documents can be found on the VBN website.
Difference small-scale grower scheme
The small-scale grower scheme has been developed specially for small-scale growers and is focused on a few key points that suit their operations. The audit frequency is lower AND it is cheaper than the regular schedule. Also, only one certificate needs to be obtained as opposed to at least two (GAP and Environment) for other growers.
Development small-scale grower scheme
The small-scale grower scheme was developed in the FSI context by a substantive working group from FSI, MPS and GLOBALG.A.P. with process support from Royal FloraHolland. A consultation round allowed growers, buyers and other industry stakeholders to provide feedback on the content of the scheme. Based on these comments, the final schedule was adopted by the FSI board in autumn 2024.
