In response to the growing trend toward more industry self certification and toward systems based approaches to plant certification, a new independent industry body has been established in Canada.  Called the Canadian Nursery Certification Institute (CNCI), this body has as its mandate the design and implementation of certification systems for the Canadian nursery and silviculture trades. 

The need for such a body became acute in 2004-05 as the presence of Sudden Oak Death (P. ramorum) in isolated BC locations created the need for a voluntary certification program aimed at preventing the spread of the disease in Canada. Through quick action by BC Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA) and Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA), and with funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the new CNCI was made a legal entity in summer of 2005. 

Run by a Board of Directors, made entirely of Canadian nursery owners, the CNCI is the body that will grant the P. ramorum certification to BC nurseries in 2006.  The CNCI will also implement the Domestic Phytosanitary Certification Program (DPCP) that is currently being developed to serve the broader need for domestic phytosanitary certification. 
 
You may reach CNCI by contacting:
Crislane Ackermann
Phone: 1-888-446-3499
E-mail: crislane@cnla-acpp.ca