SALEM, USA, January 19, 2010:  Olson’s Greenhouse is putting quality, people and care for the environment on the front burner for 2010.  And now, the most visible symbol of Olson’s commitment to sustainability; they have been independently certified under the Veriflora® Certified Sustainably Grown eco-label.  Veriflora® certification signifies that Olson’s Greenhouse practices sustainable and eco-friendly methods in production, shipping and labor management.
The Veriflora® certification requires employers to meet stringent guidelines.  “For some greenhouses, growth and developing environmentally sustainable production practices represents real challenges.  In the case of Olson’s Greenhouse, noted Dr. Michael Keyes, Certification Manager for Scientific Certification Systems, expansion was seamless.”
Certification by Veriflora® means that products grown by Olson’s Greenhouse are independently certified as being produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.  It also identifies that the company enlists quality, employee-friendly management practices which meet and exceed pre-determined standards of excellence. 
In order to obtain certification, a grower must meet or exceed environmental protection requirements covering issues in the areas of pest management, media fertility, production yields, energy efficiency, carbon footprint, waste management, water conservation and ecosystem care.
Bart Olson, President of Olson’s Greenhouse, describes the company’s commitment to sustainability:  “As we started working with Veriflora®, we could see that many of the things we were doing as a company was already in-line with the Veriflora® certification program.  With Veriflora’s® help, we were able to identify additional areas where improvement would be beneficial.  The certification process has not only helped Olson’s Greenhouse in its quest for sustainability, it has made us an all-around better company. "
The Veriflora® label requires growers to meet stringent guidelines regarding water usage.  Olson’s is fortunate to have an artesian well.  One concern has always been the inability to close the well due to sediment coming up when turned back on. A solution was found and the investment was made. In November 2009 the company installed a state of the art Zwart Systems Clean Stream Media Filter which will allow the well to be shut off when not in use.  By doing this Olson’s has been able to reduce the burden on the aquifer by more than 50%.
Olson’s has been complimented by many of the chemical suppliers as having one of the “cleanest” chemical rooms in the agriculture community.  Matt Carr, head grower, has made concerted efforts to comply with Veriflora® standards.   Just-in-time delivery and First-in/First-out chemical use procedures were put in place in 2009. This has greatly reduced their chemical spoilage and need for hazardous waste disposal.   Olson’s Greenhouse also eliminated the usage of chemicals that may potentially have an adverse effect on the ecosystems surrounding the facility. 
The greenhouses are controlled by Argus environmental control systems.  By using the Argus system the company is able to provide optimal conditions for the plants to insure efficient growth.  The Argus system also controls energy curtains that have been installed to minimize fuel usage and reduce Olson’s carbon footprint.
Olson’s also runs an efficient fleet of vehicles that supply plants to five states – Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.  Brian Alexander, shipping manager, described Olson’s commitment to making their fleet more eco-friendly.  “We currently lease over 75% of our tractors which ensures us of having the most up-to-date and economical tractors on the market.  This, along with our driver training courses for vehicle safety and economical driving standards, helps Olson’s maintain a sustainable delivery operation.”
One of the things Scientific Certifications Systems were really impressed with is that Olson’s continually gives back to the local community.  They support local sporting teams and give out free plants at the annual Salem and Santaquin Day parades each summer. In March 2009, Olson’s contributed several thousand dollars in bedding plants to the new Stewart Sculpture Garden at the Springville Art Museum.
Founded in 1942, Olson’s Greenhouse is a third-generation family business.  Bart Olson is the President and CEO and his wife, Yvonne, is Corporate Secretary.  The fourth generation is active in the business with most of Bart’s children working in various management positions. Roy Olson started the greenhouses in the 40’s and operated primarily as a side business for thirty years.  Roy’s son, Jack, took over in the 1970’s and started to grow the business serving large retailers and the local community growing annuals, perennials, and blooming potted plants.  Bart became the owner/operator of the wholesale operation in 1985. 
The Olson’s currently operate over 1 million ft2 of greenhouse facilities and 500,000 ft2 of outside growing.  The operation is centrally located to its major markets, Boise, Salt Lake, and Denver with operations in Santaquin and Salem, Utah.  Olson’s Greenhouse is one of the largest greenhouse operations in the Western United States and wholesales annuals, perennials, vegetable starts, and potted plants throughout the Intermountain West.