Best Management Practices Program

CDFA and the National Ornamental Research Site at Dominican University of CA (NORS-DUC) have developed a voluntary program for ornamental and native plant nurseries which encourages and guides the implementation of BMPs in their plant production systems. Inclusion in the program provides nurseries with a higher level of confidence that nursery operations are reducing the introduction and spread of diseases and pests.

Mission

To protect consumers, agriculture, and the environment from losses due to the introduction and spread of pathogens and pests through the nursery trade.

Maintain a close working relationship with the National Ornamental Research Site at Dominican University (NORS-DUC) and the CDFA Plant Health Diagnostic Center (PPDC) in order to validate Best Management Practices (BMPs) and implement appropriate BMPs at interested nurseries.

General Program Information

To protect consumers, agriculture, and the environment from losses due to the introduction and spread of pathogens and pests through the nursery trade. Maintain a close working relationship with the National Ornamental Research Site at Dominican University (NORS-DUC) and the CDFA Plant Health Diagnostic Center (PPDC) in order to validate Best Management Practices (BMPs) and implement appropriate BMPs at interested nurseries.

Presently, program staff meet with each nursery’s management team to identify and assess potential pathways of disease introduction and spread in the existing practices and nursery layout. Following analysis, modifications to nursery operations are recommended and agreed upon between nursery operation managers and program experts to be implemented on an agreed upon timeline. Annual visits by program staff will continue to assess progress, assist in development of the BMP manual, and further fine tune and improve BMP practices. Participants may call upon program experts as needed.

CDFA does not provide a guarantee of pathogen free plants produced through this program, but the implementation of BMPs in nursery production is known to reduce pests and disease. The Department maintains a list of participants who have agreed to incorporate BMPs into their operations and have a working BMP manual.

What to Expect

Apply
- Fill out a preliminary questionnaire and email it to CDFA. CDFA will review this document and reach out to schedule an initial site visit.
Initial site visit
- CDFA will assess the nursery Critical Control Points (CCP), assess potential pathways of introduction and spread in the existing practices and nursery layout and, in partnership with the grower, determine which BMPs are currently in place and offer recommendations.
- Collection of plant, soil, water samples as needed for laboratory testing of pathogens and pests.
BMP Manual
- Begin development of BMP manual with CDFA assistance. This manual should include timelines of implementing additional BMPs.
Yearly CCP inspection
- Inspections will occur to assess BMP development, changes in nursery practices, cleanliness of plants (visual and laboratory testing) and continued development of the BMP manual.