Frank P Matthews Retains Plant Healthy Certification

Frank P Matthews is delighted to announce that we have once again successfully qualified for and retained our Plant Healthy certification, a mark of excellence that reflects our ongoing commitment to safeguarding biosecurity. As one of the few British nurseries to achieve this high standard, Frank P Matthews continues to demonstrate leadership in plant health, ensuring our nursery meets and exceeds the stringent requirements set out by the Plant Healthy scheme.

What is Plant Healthy Certification?

Plant Healthy is a UK-based certification system designed to guide nurseries, public gardens, retailers, and landscapers in implementing best practices for biosecurity. By achieving Plant Healthy status, accredited organisations commit to rigorous standards for plant health management, minimising the risk of introducing and spreading destructive pests and diseases within their supply chains and landscapes. The scheme is grounded in the Plant Health Management Standard, which covers every aspect of plant care and nursery operation—from pest prevention to plant handling and transportation—to protect both cultivated and native flora from biosecurity threats.

Achieving Plant Healthy certification is a significant accomplishment, as it requires adherence to a detailed framework and passing an in-depth assessment. Nurseries must complete a self-assessment, followed by a comprehensive audit conducted by Plant Healthy inspectors to verify that biosecurity measures are robust and effective. This involves an extensive examination of everything from plant handling protocols and cleaning practices to staff training on biosecurity principles and documentation of health checks across the production line.

The certification is also rooted in Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) principles, with a strong focus on responsible practices that benefit local biodiversity and broader ecosystem health. By participating in the scheme, accredited organisations like Frank P Matthews are not only helping to protect the UK’s cultivated and native plants but also contributing to a national effort to support sustainable and responsible plant management practices.

Commitment to Ongoing Improvement

For Frank P Matthews, retaining our Plant Healthy status is more than a one-time achievement—it’s a testament to our dedication to continuous improvement in biosecurity. Our Production Director, Lorna Maskell, highlighted how the Plant Healthy certification process encourages nurseries to constantly refine and advance their practices: “The Plant Healthy self-assessment process pushed us to take an even closer look at our biosecurity systems. It was reassuring to confirm that we already had robust protocols in place to protect plant health. Moving forward, we will continue to proactively fine-tune our procedures, ensuring that we are always aligned with best practices and can adapt to emerging biosecurity challenges.”

This commitment to biosecurity is crucial, especially in today’s environment where the risk of pest and disease spread has been heightened due to global trade, climate change, and increased movement of plants and soil materials. By adhering to the Plant Healthy standard, Frank P Matthews is actively working to reduce these risks, creating a safer and more sustainable future for the horticulture industry.

Plant Healthy in the Eyes of the Customer

As more awareness around biosecurity and sustainability grows, customers increasingly recognise the value of certifications like Plant Healthy. Steph James, our Sales Director, noted that being certified offers significant reassurance to our customers, who are becoming more aware and discerning about the origins of their plants. “More customers are beginning to talk about Plant Healthy, and it’s great to be able to reassure them that we meet these rigorous standards. They can trust that when they choose Frank P Matthews, they are choosing a nursery that prioritises biosecurity and sustainability, protecting both their landscapes and the larger environment,” he said.

Plant Healthy’s Role in Environmental and Social Governance

Plant Healthy plays a critical role within the broader Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) framework in horticulture, promoting practices that align with long-term environmental sustainability. The Plant Health Management Standard establishes guidelines that address everything from water management and soil health to responsible pest control and the avoidance of harmful chemicals. By achieving Plant Healthy status, nurseries contribute to a sector-wide effort to create more resilient ecosystems, where plant biodiversity and natural habitats are preserved and protected.

The certification also provides accountability and transparency, ensuring that certified nurseries maintain a high standard of care and continuously improve their practices. For Frank P Matthews, this ongoing improvement is not only about maintaining certification but about leading by example in the nursery industry, promoting a responsible approach to plant health and biosecurity that supports the industry’s future.

By aligning with Plant Healthy’s rigorous requirements, Frank P Matthews helps protect the UK’s natural environment from invasive species, strengthening plant health from the nursery to the customer’s garden. This certification reinforces our dedication to being a biosecurity-conscious and environmentally responsible business, creating a positive impact that extends beyond our nursery grounds.

Join Us in Supporting Plant Health

As we celebrate the renewal of our Plant Healthy certification, Frank P Matthews invites our customers, partners, and community to join us in supporting this critical initiative. By choosing certified nurseries and prioritising plant health, we can all contribute to a safer, healthier environment and enjoy the beauty and benefits of resilient, well-protected plant life.

For more information about the Plant Healthy scheme, including its benefits, and to see the full list of accredited British nurseries, click here. Together, let’s continue to nurture a greener and more sustainable future.