1. Feedback from SGASA certification Frik Joubert - SGASA auditor

2. INTRODUCTION I am pleased to report : - that we are experiencing a tremendous effort and dedication - towards the compliance of SGASA certification from our participating nurseries Demand for seedling compliance : - to “good & safe production practices” - as requested from farmers and related industry - is currently the growing benchmark My focus ⇒ on recurring non-compliances, PLUS issues that may become inevitable for future application

3. AUDIT DOCUMENT ⇒ Levels of non-compliance 1.Non-compliant Major Must (MM) ⇒ Which cannot be corrected in an acceptable time frame ⇒ The requirements must be in place at time of audit, otherwise the nursery will fail that section 2.Non-compliant Major Must (MM) ⇒ Which should be corrected within a specified time frame ⇒ Failure to do so ⇒ results in the nursery failing the audit 3.A minor must audit finding (mm) ⇒ Which must be corrected before the next audit

4. AUDIT SECTIONS 1.Water 2.Growing Media 3.Containers / Trays 4.Seed store 5.Sowing records 6.Sowing room 7.Germination room 8.Vegetative propagation 9.Production facilities 10.Growing crops in soil 11.Agrochemical storage & use 12.Imports from other nurseries 13.Product quality 14.Despatch area 15.Site appearance 16.Health and Safety Compliance 17.Admin and Finance control 18.Labour relations & Employment equity 19.Fusarium circinatum 20.Phytophthora capsici 21.Customers and Suppliers 22.Previous Audits 23.Pests & Diseases

5. WATER  Irrigation scheduling - Need appropriate models - Irrigate = actual plant requirement  Water quality improvements - pH & EC - Ozone treatment - Magnetism  Explore water conservation methods - More efficient storage structures - More efficient irrigation equipment - Reduce run-off - Make use of water harvesting methods - Recycle water where possible  Waste water disposal : MUST BE safe & environmental friendly * Series of sumps / Biological degradation * Bio-bed area * “Man-made” marshland area

6. GROWING MEDIA  Sustainable use of growing media Should we use NEW media every growing cycle ?? Explore methods of RECYCLING ??  Consider growing media amendments – to enhance plant resilience : Humic- and Fulvic acid = buffer capacity, nutrient storage & delivery, etc. Addition of beneficial microbes = Mykorrhizia, Trichoderma, Bacillus species ⇒ May improve recycling potential - due to multiple “natural” benefits VERSUS

7. CONTAINERS / TRAYS  Utilization of appropriate tray type : to maximise root development ? to minimize transplanting stress ? for aeration for drainage  Records and Traceability ??? - Disinfection Equipment - Documented Procedures  Disposal or recycling of waste trays ???

8. SEED STORAGE & SOWING RECORDS  Seed storage general good storage methods  Sowing records excellent traceability  Alternatives to : Traditional Seed treatments / Seed coatings to enhance : initial germination to enhance : early seedling establishment and development Consider the addition of the following as seed treatments : ⇒ Key minerals : Zn, Mn, Ca, B ⇒ Bio-stimulants : Kelp, Fulvic acid, Triacontanol ⇒ Microbial inoculation : Mykorrhizia, Trichoderma, Bacillus species

9. SOWING- AND GERMINATION ROOM  Section with most technologically advanced equipment, BUT : - general lack of : * Training records - lack of all-round visibility of : * Hazard signs * Warning boards of moving machinery  Housekeeping & Hygiene - need more attention to ensure “round the clock” hygiene

10. PRODUCTION FACILITIES  More emphasis and control on : - Cleaning procedures ⇒ monitor effectiveness and consistency - Designated refuse areas ⇒ with an appropriate procedure - Drainage issues ⇒ stagnant water - Stricter public access control

11. HEALTH AND SAFETY (NOSA) Section with the highest % of non-conformances  Most nurseries still struggle ⇒ Existing personnel ⇒ Limited time ⇒ Consider : - designated person = initial set-up - then delegate individual responsibilities ?! ⇒ Once in place ⇒ 2 nd nature = easier conformance  Nurseries which are exempted from this audit section ⇒ proof of valid NOSA / OHSAct 18001 certificate

12. AGROCHEMICAL STORAGE and USE Section with 2 nd highest % of non-conformances !!!  Storeroom – Secure, HazChem signs, Ventilation, Sawdust (Spillage cleanups), Bund walls Recording system, Separation between fertilizers & agrochemicals  Emergency Procedures = Visual display – Responsible- & First aid person, Communication channel  Equipment – Safety & Maintenance, Calibration & Application routine checks ?  Training records – Management & Operator  Waste Procedure – Empty container disposal ? - Sumps for run-off control ? - Bio-bed area ?

13. PESTS AND DISEASES Monitoring VERSUS Fixed spraying programs ⇒ Replace “RED BAND” agrochemicals with alternatives ⇒ Combine biological approach and “softer” agrochemicals ⇒ Optimize nutrient levels ⇒ To maximise plant immunity * require closer attention * regular leaf or sap analysis * High BRIX ⇒ healthy seedlings

14. THANK YOU SGASA greetings