Metrolina earns VeriFlora certification

Metrolina Greenhouses in Huntersville, N.C., which operates nearly 130 acres, recently earned VeriFlora certification from Scientific Certification Systems. Some of the greenhouse's sustainable production practices: Water recycling and rain collection; growing in compostable pots; and using energy curtains. Ponds supply more than 700,000 gallons of water a day to irrigate its plants. Energy curtains reduce heat losses by up to 50%. "VeriFlora provides a way for companies such as ours to get credit for the things we have been doing," said Abe Van Wingerden, pres. and sales and marketing director of Metrolina. "At the same time, the certification process helped us identify new ways in which we could further improve our operations." Metrolina joins 31 VeriFlora-certified producers.