MPS-ABC: Environmental record keeping and qualification ...

Determining the qualification
Points earned for each environmental theme are added together. A low number of points means that you have a higher
usage than set in the company standard stipulated for your company.
Qualification A:
Required number of registration periods
The MPS-A, -B, and -C qualifications are awarded only to
participants who have completed at least 13 consecutive
registration periods and earned the points required.
Additional requirements are that the first company audit has taken
place, and that all fees have been paid.
The MPS-D (participant) qualification is awarded only to participants
who have completed at least three consecutive registration
periods (i.e. one quarter), or to participants who have completed at
least 13 consecutive periods and scored between 0 and 9.9 points.
In contrast to the MPS-A, -B and -C qualifications, MPS-D is not part
of the accreditation. Participants may show their MPS qualification
using the appropriate MPS qualification logo. Four times a year
MPS reports the company qualifications to the auction centres.
Company qualifications will be shown on the auction clock.
• Sampling audit. In the sampling audit, a random sample is taken
from a crop for inspection. Each year 5% of the participating
companies are subjected to a sampling audit.
• Resale Audit. Each year 2% of the participating companies
are visited unannounced to check whether they comply with
the guidelines on re-selling products purchased from other
companies.
Chain audits:
• Qualification logo audit. Each year 5% of participating
companies are checked for proper and correct use of their MPS
qualification logos in the sales chain.
• Clock and sales agency audit. Each year, for 5% of participating
companies it is checked whether their MPS qualification is
shown correctly on the audit clock and on the computer screens
of sales agents.
total score between 70 and 100 points
(environmentally certified parental material produces 10 extra bonus points)
Qualification B: total score between 55 and 69.9 points
Qualification C: total score between 10 and 54.9 points
Qualification D (Participant): total score between 0 and 9.9 points
The final score determines the qualification as follows: MPS-A companies are considered to be among the most environment-friendly
companies in the world.
Reliability
As the reliability of the qualifications is crucial, audits are an important
part of the MPS-ABC programme. The various audits are listed
in the MPS-ABC certification scheme. Among these are:
• Initial audit. All participating companies must pass an initial
audit before their first qualification can be determined. The
auditor will check the recorded data and compare these with the
company’s accounts and its stocks of pesticides and fertilizers.
The initial audit is conducted in a similar manner as the company
audit.
• Company audit. The company audit serves to check the
recorded data and verify that all information is correct.
A visual inspection of the company is part of the company audit.
Each year 30% of the participating companies are subjected to a
company audit.
• Desk audit. The desk audit involves an inspection of the submitted
usage data and environmental cluster data. Each year 30% of
the participating companies are subjected to a desk audit.
For more information, or to join the
programme, please contact:
MPS
P.O. Box 533
2675 ZT Honselersdijk
The Netherlands
Tel. + 31 (0)174 615715
Fax +31 (0) 174 633696
E-mail: info@my-mps.com
www.my-mps.com