More about the environmental certification
Due to their impact on the environment the environmental certification is based on the production methods and means. The company qualification is determined by the quantity and quality of crop protection agents, fertilizers, energy and water, used for production processes throughout the company, and of the separation of waste water.

MPS qualification for example requires not only an initial company audit but regular producers' registration reports on the environment aspects as well. The total of the scores for each environment aspect results in the final qualification level A, B or C, but only if the producer has sent in the reports during 13 successive periods of 4 weeks. The initial audit is necessary to verify the reported data by means of reviewing the financial and stock administration of crop protection agents and fertilizers.
The obligatory registration provides producers with a higher awareness of their production methods and means, offering them a possibility to compare their production processes with those of other growers of the same product. The registration clearly shows the environmental impact of growing flowers and plants and stimulates producers to look for alternative production methods and to minimize the use of  agents and fertilizers.
A qualification at MPS-A level represents the highest achievable level of environment conscious cultivation methods. Producers with an environmental certification at this level qualify for participation in Fair Flowers Fair Plants. 

More about the social certification
The Fair Flowers Fair Plants participation also requires producers' certification for social requirements, as defined in the following 10 statements:
  1. Freedom of association and the right of collective bargaining
  2. No discrimination (equality of treatment)
  3. Right to minimum (living) wages
  4. Respect for working hours
  5. A healthy and safe workplace
  6. Responsible and minimal use of pesticides
  7. Work guarantee
  8. Protection of the environment
  9. No child labour
10. No forced labour

The 10 basic rules above have been drawn up into the ICC (International Code of Conduct) for the flower- and plant industry by the IFC (International Flower Coordination). A number of trade unions and human rights organizations that are specifically active in the flower and plant industry are represented in the IFC. These representatives are present at social certification audits, to guarantee the legitimacy of the social quality mark to which their names are linked.

Failing the certification requirements means failing the Fair Flowers Fair Plants targets and can lead to temporary or permanent suspension of the FFP membership.