Elite ornamentals and certification of softfruit.
Elite systems of both ornamentals as well as for softfruit build on the basic principle of start clean and stay clean. Both product groups rely heavily on the production through vegetative propagation. This means that any virus, viroid, phytoplasma or bacterium can be transmitted from one generation to the next. The main focus of these systems rely on a candidate phase where plants are subjected to a high number of testing in order to declare the product free of pest and diseases before it is entered into the clean stock area. From the clean stock area the production cycle starts with a maximum to the number of generations derived from that clean stock.
Ways of working and processes are fitted into a quality management system. Such quality management systems are based on ISO 9001:2015. If you are searching for guidance how to start with clean stock and manage the health status throughout your production system, Plant Quality Solutions can help you to achieve this.
A typical set up starts with an investigation of the crops associated, creating a practical list of must-do’s prior entering the clean stock facility. By the way, we also offer support in designing the Elite production facilities (see: Plant Quality Production Systems).
Script Elite:
- Site visit
- Mapping out the facility
- Decide on target crops
- Perform a risk assessment
- Decide on plan of approach including timeline
- If needed: refurbish facilities
- Create document management system
- Map out processes and collect protocols
- Perform gap analysis & preparation for the implementation audit
- Fixing the gaps
- Internal audit
- Implementation audit
- Approved Elite site
- Celebrate!
Mapping out the facility, performing a risk assessment, deciding on plan of approach with timeline are typical first visit activities. Document management and mapping out processes can be done off site with gap analysis and internal audit requiring subsequent site visits.