MPS-A+ qualification for Tanzanian nurseries Bondeni Flowers and Michiru
At the foot of the Kilimanjaro in Tanzania there are three nursery farms: Bondeni Flowers (Bondeni main and Bondeni mahame) and Michiru. These nurseries obtained their first qualification last month, which is the highest attainable qualification: a MPS-A+. How did they manage that?
Besides Bondeni Flowers and Michiru, there is another grower in Tanzania MPS-A+ certified. Compared to other nurseries with the same type of cultivation and cultivation conditions, they produce sustainable in the field of plant protection products, fertilizers, energy and water. Growers can check their qualifications and compare them with fellow growers on these four topics. For example, they can opt for the more sustainable option in the field of crop protection products. MPS-ABC therefore not only registers the use of crop protection, but also improves the sustainable production.
Good farming
Bondeni Flowers and Michiru are both partner nurseries of Marginpar in the Netherlands, where also the distribution takes place. “It is no coincidence that we obtained right away the MPS-A+ qualification. We consciously choose the substances that are seen as less harmful within MPS-ABC. We mainly use the so-called green products and the orange products to a lesser extent. MPS-ABC helps us to make a choice between crop protection products," says Wiebe Berkhout, manager at Marginpar in Tanzania. “In addition, where possible, we no longer use neonicotinoids. We also consciously grow flowers for bees. As a result, thousands of bees can now be found at the nursery. That is good for the ecosystem. Ultimately, we want to build a beehive and keep bees ourselves.”
As partner nurseries of Marginpar, we are committed to FSI 2025 and Bondeni Flowers and Michuru are in the process of obtaining MPS-GAP and MPS-SQ certificates in addition to MPS-ABC. Berkhout: “It is important for us to show that we grow the flowers in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Wiebe Berkhout set foot in Tanzania in 1994 as a development worker, after three years he made the switch to the private sector.
The Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica)
About 900 people work at the nurseries at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Bondeni Flowers and Michiru are both specialized in the cultivation of cut clematis. This flower thrives at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Day and night temperatures are warm due to the right altitude. In addition, there is plenty of water. The Pangani River flows from Mount Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean.The nurseries are allowed to purchase a certain number of cubic meters per hour which is controlled by the Pangani River Basin Board. Berkhout explains: “We collect water that has been used at the nursery in a well. We filter out the polluting stuff before it goes back into the ground.”
“It is important for us to show that we grow the flowers in an environmentally and socially responsible way,” explains Berkhout.
Wiebe Berkhout prefers to use biological control because why would you use chemicals if it can also be done biologically? “Unfortunately, it is still difficult to make full use of biological control in Tanzania,” says Berkhout. “It is difficult to obtain an import permit”. We do, however, use other biological agents, such as neem.” This remedy comes from the neem tree, which is a tropical tree that grows in West Africa. It has a repellent effect against, fungi, spider mites and mites.
Berkhout still has plenty of ideas for the future, LED lighting, solar panels and biological control are all on his list. The most remarkable is a specific management style, called the Kaizen method. “This is a Japanese management style where trust is important,” says Berkhout. Employees are giving more responsibility also in regard to the work processes. It reflects on what has been done and how processes can be improved. That's how you learn from your mistakes. In addition, there is less hierarchy. So overall work will be more fun and interesting.
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