What is the purpose of FNGLA's certification program?

The purpose of FNGLA's certification program is to promote professional development within the horticulture industry. This program is designed to encourage individuals to enhance their skills and knowledge, thereby raising the overall standards of professionalism in horticulture practice. By providing a structured framework for education and skill assessment, FNGLA’s certification program helps horticulturists stay current with industry advancements, best practices, and safety standards. This focus on professional development is vital as it not only benefits the individuals pursuing certification but also contributes to the credibility and improvement of the horticulture profession as a whole.

The other options, while relevant areas of horticultural practice, do not accurately reflect the main objective of FNGLA's certification program. For example, regulating pesticide use is typically handled by governmental agencies and not through a certification program. Similarly, while enhancing plant breeding and creating new horticultural technology are important in the field, they are not the primary goals of FNGLA's initiative. The emphasis is distinctly on fostering expertise and knowledge among professionals in the field.