Accreditation
Accreditation
Want to move plants between states more easily? Keen to reduce costs and crop loss? Want to be sure you're making the best possible decisions for your business?
The Australian Plant Production Standard (APPS) is our science-based national best practice system for growing healthy, high-quality plants. It includes three voluntary programs that help you improve how you manage crops, protect your business and access markets:
- best business practice – NIASA
- environmental management – EcoHort
- plant protection and market access – BioSecure HACCP.
Find out why growers choose accreditation or get more info on the programs.
You can start with one program or stack them over time. Each layer strengthens your systems, builds trust with customers and keeps you ahead of industry expectations.
Australian Plant Production Standard
The Australian Plant Production Standard (APPS) is made up of three programs:
- best business practice – Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme, Australia (NIASA)
- environmental management – EcoHort
- planty protection and market access – BioSecure HACCP.
Together, these programs provide a framework for managing everything from crop hygiene and water use to pest and disease response.
You can start with one or build towards all three. Each step improves your systems, boosts your credibility and puts you ahead of the curve.
And you’re not alone – GIA’s Extension Officers are here to help you get started.
Find out:
Your production systems don’t need to be perfect to get started. Most growers are already doing more than they think – we just help connect the dots and guide them through with best practice programs.
Accreditation benefits
Gaining APPS credentials shows your customers, suppliers and regulators that your nursery operates to an industry-agreed standard – and that you're serious about quality, safety and sustainability.
Benefits include:
- improved plant health and product quality
- better water, waste and resource management
- early detection and control of pests and diseases
- increased business efficiency and reduced stock loss
- confidence when bidding for contracts or tenders
- recognition by government, councils and procurement bodies.
Accreditation also helps you stay ahead of compliance requirements, gives you third-party validation and can enhance your marketability especially with buyers seeking guaranteed high standards.
Which program is right for you?
| Program | Best if you want to... | Also... |
|---|---|---|
| NIASA | Get the basics right. Improve quality & reduce waste. | Sets the foundation for other programs. Provides access to tree specs. |
| EcoHort | Show you're growing sustainably. | Helps you meet customer and regulatory expectations. |
| BioSecure HACCP | Manage pest risks and move plants interstate. | Allows self-certification. Provides a strong integrated pest management (IPM) foundation. |
If you're a production nursery or growing media supplier you can access the programs - and state association members and training organisations get a discount.
Why growers choose accreditation
| Benefit | More info |
|---|---|
| Move plants between states | If you're BioSecure HACCP certified, you can self-certify plant movements across borders – no waiting, no extra inspections. |
| Tax deductible | Program costs are tax deductible. |
| Credibility | Show your customers – including councils and commercial landscapers – that you meet national standards. |
| Reduce costs and crop loss | Use better systems to avoid rework, waste and preventable losses. |
| Support and structure | Get annual audits, tools, templates and advice from experienced professionals |
| Better decisions | Use the digital platform to record and track what’s happening in your nursery – and use that data to make smarter calls. |
What’s next?
➡️ To find out more about best practice and accreditation, or to get started:
- call us on 1300 95 95 13
- email us at biosecure@greenlifeindustry.org.au
- visit nurseryproductionfms.com.au
