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wholesalers comprised

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com),
America 's pioneering organic florist, and Scientific Certification Systems
(SCS), an established environmental standards developer and independent
certifier. For
instance, according to the Organic Trade Association , the newly emerging
organic floral market reached $8 million in 2003 and is expected to grow
13 percent annually through 2008. NSF is a World Health
Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor
Environment.

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"
Membership in the MEMS Industry Group has grown from six members at its
inception in January of 2001 to over 70 industrial members in June of 2005 ,
all of which are actively involved in the MEMS industry and in MIG
initiatives.
"For the first time in the development of sustainable agriculture
standards, organic practices will serve as the cornerstone of grower
achievement," said Gerald Prolman, founder and CEO of Organic Bouquet .

florist connects

-- Industry works together to overcome commercialization barriers of MEMS ---

PITTSBURGH , The MEMS Industry Group (MIG), the
trade association representing the MEMS and microstructures industries, is
pleased to announce the addition of 9 new members during the second quarter of
2005 to its roster of over 70 industry-leading members.

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Ellen McDevitt, Executive Director at MIG , commented on the new members."
Building upon earlier certification programs primarily targeted at
European markets, as well as sustainability initiatives in other agricultural
arenas, Veriflora is the first sustainable agriculture standard to explicitly
incorporate organic agricultural practices into its criteria. The floral industry can now build on their
successes.
The $16 billion U .S.

About Organic Bouquet
Established in 2001, Organic Bouquet (http://www. As a leading voice in the organic
movement, it is raising public awareness of critical environmental issues,
using sustainably grown flowers as a catalyst for change.

segments fsa

"More and more, MIG is attracting global companies , because MEMS is a global
technology.

Digital Press Room:
http://www.

segments pcf

International Experts Tackle Sustainability Issues in Floral Sector; Announce New American National Standard Initiative

"
In the meantime, SCS will accredit certifiers to conduct certification
audits of flower farms and wholesalers.

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Over two decades, SCS has developed
standards and offered certification programs spanning a wide cross-section of
the economy including agricultural production, forestry, fisheries , energy,
consumer products, manufacturing and retailing, and the home improvement and
construction sectors.

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The standard also includes procedures for verifying the integrity
of certified flowers and ornamental plants throughout the chain-of-custody. "The floral industry
-- dedicated to producing symbols of caring and affection -- is well
positioned to come together around a common standard that will resonate with
American consumers. floral industry is already being influenced by
flowers produced according to certain environmental or social criteria. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water
industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF
International Strategic Registrations, Ltd.

efsa growers

MIG offers several benefits to its members including networking
opportunities, industry research reports, and PR and visibility on its web
site. The standard revolves around six
principles -- advanced agricultural practices, social responsibility,
conservation of ecological resources, water conservation, waste management,
and product quality -- and addresses production practices ranging from soil
preparation and seed planting through production, harvest , and post-harvest
handling. "The Veriflora standard gives the floral industry a
certification program that is science based, transparent, and objective, while
satisfying consumer demand.

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MEMS Industry Group Continues to Expand Its Membership

MEMS is an enabling technology that supports and creates numerous functions in
diverse industries.com) has
pioneered the organic flower market .

fsfa efsa

About MEMS
MEMS is an approach to fabrication that uses, as a basis, the materials
and processes of microelectronics fabrication and conveys the advantages of
miniaturization, multiple components and microelectronics to the design and
construction of integrated microstructures and electromechanical systems.OrganicBouquet.com/OrganicBouquet

grasses retailers

segments growers

About MEMS Industry Group
MEMS Industry Group (MIG) is the trade association representing the MEMS
and microstructures industries. Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to
protecting public health and safety worldwide.

florists growers

The panel included flower growers, environmental scientists,
wholesalers, distributors, labor experts , certification organizations and
organic trade association leaders. "Other
agricultural sectors have demonstrated that organic practices are viable and
help meet the needs of consumers.
"There is a growing recognition that agricultural practices, ecological
conservation, and social responsibility are all critical aspects of
sustainable certification of floral products, and are best measured against
standards that incorporate the concerns of all stakeholders," said Kevan
Lawlor , president and CEO of NSF International.

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At the
same time, NSF will begin the formation of a consensus body of interested
industry, regulatory, and user sectors to begin the formal process for
adoption of the Draft Standard as an NSF American National Standard.nsf.

florist florists

New members include:
Boston Micromachines , Eyelit Inc, IceMos Technology, Makino, Meggitt
Electronics, MicroBridge Technologies, SAES Getters , SiTime, and Tronic's
Microsystems. New 'eco-label' program will help consumers choose flowers that meet strict
environmental and social criteria

SAN FRANCISCO, "Flower Power" took on a whole new
meaning Friday as an international panel of experts gathered to discuss
advances in addressing environmental and social issues in the floral industry,
and to launch a new American eco-label for sustainably produced floral
products.
"Flower retailers and consumers are increasingly seeking assurances
regarding sustainable farming methods, and good social practices relating to
the production and handling of fresh cut flowers," said Stanley Rhodes,
president and CEO of SCS."
NSF International (NSF), an independent, not-for-profit standards writing
organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI),
announced its intention to use the Veriflora standard as the basis of a NSF
Draft American National Standard for Trial Use under the ANSI rules.
The Eco-Flower Power Symposium was held in conjunction with United Nations
World Environment Day 2005, a series of events over the first five days of
June involving world dignitaries , culminating June 5th with Flower Power Day.

About NSF International (NSF)
NSF International , an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps
protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water, air
and consumer goods (http://www.org).

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With more input from more companies , MIG can continue to identify
and address lingering barriers to the commercialization of MEMS. MIG is currently comprised of over 60 member
companies, including Texas Instruments, Honeywell, Intel , XACTIX, and Northrop
Grumman. Panelists took a candid look at historic
problems facing the floral industry related to pesticide use, labor issues,
and ecological impacts, then described evolving practices and initiatives
aimed at moving the industry on the path toward sustainability. Flowers produced using organic agriculture
practices is just one element of the larger sustainable agriculture movement.

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The Association enables the exchange of non-
propriety information among members; provides reliable industry data that
furthers the development of technology; and works with legislators,
policymakers and others toward the greater commercial development and use of
MEMS and MEMS-enabled devices.

retailers fsfa

The symposium, "Eco-Flower Power: Sustainability Trends for the Floral
Industry," was organized by Organic Bouquet (http://www.
Among these initiatives is the new Veriflora(TM) certification standard
launched by SCS for the American market., organic certification provided by
Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for
Public Health Education.

dried growers

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OrganicBouquet .

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Quality Assurance International (QAI),
a respected organic certifier and subsidiary of NSF, is expected to be the
first certifier to be accredited.

About Scientific Certification Systems (SCS )
SCS is an internationally recognized independent certifier of
environmental and food safety claims.