The online Nursery Evaluation Form is a key component of the AIR program. By completing the nursery input fields in the Nursery Evaluation Form, each nursery documents how it complies with the Phytophthora Working Group Best Management Practices. Once the nursery self-reports its practices, a program evaluator will review the form to assess BMP compliance and highlight items that may need clarification or where it appears that improvement may be needed. The evaluator will use this to help focus on items that should be reviewed during the on-site visit.
Click here or the link on the right to view an example Nursery Evaluation Form.
To begin this first step towards nursery accreditation with the AIR Program, please follow the link on the right to contact an AIR program representative and access your unique Nursery Evaluation Form. This form will guide you through all aspects of nursery production to assess your current practices, including:
- Basic Nursery Information
- Nursery Layout and Infrastructure
- Water Supply
- Sanitizing Protocols
- Sanitation Practices
- Propagule Collection, Processing, and Storage
- Potting Media Treatment, Handling, and Storage
- Propagation Practices
- Production Practices
- Plant Health Monitoring and Testing
- Record Keeping
The form is also used to communicate AIR leachate test results as well as evaluation notes, feedback, and overall nursery evaluation ratings back to the nursery. The nursery will likewise use the form to upload their independent or third party leachate test results to the AIR program.
Do not worry if your nursery does not immediately meet all Phytophthora-exclusionary Best Management Practices for your initial evaluation - working with your nursery to implement these BMPs is what the AIR program is here for. Simply submit your current practices to the best of your ability.
Please note that the form is an exhaustive overview of nursery production and may take some time to complete. We have several resources available to help respondents complete the NEF, including a presentation and Zoom recording of our workshop, "How to Complete the Nursery Evaluation Form."
To review the AIR Program accreditation process, please see our Nursery Accreditation Process page under About AIR.
If you have any questions about filling out the NEF, please feel free to contact us either through our contact form or by emailing [email protected].