Brief Description

The supplementary program for irrigation and the use of groundwater (SPRING) concerns the responsible management of water at the farm level. It is designed to be combined with the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard for plants.

Detailed Description

The SPRING program (Sustainable Program for Irrigation and Groundwater Use) helps producers, supply chain stakeholders, and buyers demonstrate their commitment to more responsible water management on the farm. The checklist covers a wide range of topics, such as water use and pumping rates, legal compliance and protection of water sources, as well as watershed management.

What is the certification process?

Which organizations and businesses is it aimed at?

SPRING can be applied to a wide variety of types of agricultural holdings. Even for producers who do not irrigate crops, it is a valuable tool for demonstrating responsible water management (such as protecting nearby water sources).

The add-on is aimed at individual producers and producer groups, including small-scale farmers.
SPRING is combined with IFA certification for plants (fruits and vegetables, flowers and ornamentals, hops, or combinable crops).

It should be noted that producers with parallel ownership are allowed to apply SPRING only within the framework of group certification (option 2).

What are the benefits of obtaining certification?

• Enhancing transparency and risk monitoring while encouraging continuous improvement at the farm level.
• Improving water-use efficiency and implementing practical steps to optimize its management.
• Developing effective management plans and demonstrating their implementation at the farm level.

Who can I contact for certification?

Customer Service Department, Contact Person: Ms. Anna Topaltziki: Tel.: 210 5220920, ext. 2064