Governance and System Structure

Ensuring Transparency, Credibility, and Continuous Improvement

HORTICERT was developed through an open multi-stakeholder process.
The consortium includes representatives from the growing media industry, trade, politics, scientific institutions, and NGOs. Currently, more than 40 national and international organizations from the horticultural sector are involved in the dialogue.

Stakeholders actively contributed to the development of the certification concept, including sustainability requirements, greenhouse gas emission methodology, and supply chain traceability criteria. Their involvement ensured that diverse interests and concerns were addressed, resulting in a practical, scientifically sound, and credible certification system.

Stakeholder participation remains central.
To support ongoing system development, HORTICERT will be organized through a stakeholder organization open to all relevant market participants. Day-to-day operations will be managed by a limited liability company controlled by this stakeholder organization. This setup enables efficient certification activities while ensuring that system decisions and evolution remain stakeholder-driven.

This organizational model allows HORTICERT to remain dynamic and responsive to the evolving demands and challenges of the horticultural industry.

HORTICERT follows the principles of the International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling Alliance (ISEAL), which promotes inclusive, non-discriminatory governance and balanced stakeholder participation in decision-making.