How to Verify a Nursery’s Authenticity and Licensing
Ways to check the legitimacy and permits of seedling sellers
Checking legal permits
Required documents:
- Nursery establishment license from the Agricultural Jihad Organization
- Valid, current operating permit (with dates)
- Nursery identification code (national nursery code)
- Registration in the PVP system (Plant Variety Protection)
How to verify:
- Check the Ministry of Agriculture’s unified agricultural portal
- Call the county Agricultural Jihad office
- Request to see original documents on site at the nursery
Health and technical certificates
Key documents:
- Phytosanitary certificate from the Plant Protection Organization
- Quarantine certificate for imported seedlings
- Lab health tests (virus, fungi, bacteria)
- Certification from the Agricultural Engineering Organization
Sapling passport and label
Mandatory label information:
- Scientific and Persian/common name
- Cultivar and rootstock
- Production date
- Producer nursery code
- License and permit numbers
- QR code for traceability
Online verification methods
Official platforms:
- National registry for seedlings and seeds: www.seedlings.maj.ir
- Systems for issuing product identity/traceable passports
- “Keshavarz” mobile app (Ministry of Agriculture)
Information you can verify:
- Nursery license status
- Permit validity dates
- Any recorded violations
On‑site inspection
What to look for:
- Signboard showing license numbers
- Licenses posted in a visible place
- Hygienic nursery conditions
- Proper seedling care and irrigation
- Quarantine and isolation facilities
Verification with authorities
Authoritative contacts:
- County Agricultural Jihad office
- Agricultural trade guild
- Nursery Producers’ Association
- Provincial Agricultural Research Center
Red flags (warning signs)
- Refusal to provide requested documents
- Selling seedlings without identification labels
- Abnormally low (too‑cheap) prices
- No official invoice
- Refusal to allow a visit to the production site
Additional recommendations
- Keep records: save all requests and invoices
- Take photos: of permits and the seedlings you bought
- Get it in writing: ask for a written health warranty
- Legal follow‑up: report violations to the proper authorities
Questions You Must Ask a Nursery Seller Before Buying
Essential pre‑purchase questions
Questions about sapling specifications
Basic info:
- What are the exact cultivar and rootstock?
- How old is the sapling?
- Is it grafted or seed‑grown?
- Where is the graft union and when was it made?
- What are the sapling’s height and collar/trunk caliper?
Genetic traits:
- What are the parent cultivars?
- Is this an improved (bred) cultivar or a local landrace?
- What advantages does it have over similar cultivars?
Questions about resistance and adaptability
Resistances:
- Which local pests and diseases is it resistant to?
- What level of cold/frost tolerance does it have?
- How does it perform under drought or limited irrigation?
- How sensitive is it to soil or water salinity?
Regional fit:
- Which climate zones is it suitable for?
- How does it perform in our area (name your region)?
- Are local growers already using this cultivar?
Questions about yield and performance
Productivity:
- How many years after planting until it bears?
- What is the yield in the early years?
- What is the maximum yield at full maturity?
- What is the economic lifespan?
Product quality:
- Average fruit size and weight?
- Harvest/ripening window?
- Storability and shelf life?
- Marketability and consumer preference?
Questions about planting requirements
Soil conditions:
- Recommended soil pH?
- Preferred soil texture?
- Required soil depth?
- Does it require drainage?
Spacing:
- Recommended spacing between saplings?
- Recommended trees per hectare?
- Does it require a pollinizer?
Questions about care and maintenance
Irrigation:
- What is the annual water requirement?
- Most drought‑sensitive growth stages?
- Best irrigation system?
Nutrition:
- Recommended fertilization program?
- Essential fertilizers?
- Visual signs of nutrient deficiencies?
Pruning:
- Recommended training/pruning system?
- Best timing for pruning?
- Any special pruning needs?
Questions about plant health
Health status:
- Have disease tests been performed?
- Which organization issued the health certificate?
- Has the stock been quarantined?
- Any history of contamination at the nursery?
Physical inspection:
- Can I see the roots?
- What explains any leaf yellowing or wilting?
- What are the causes of any stem spots or wounds?
Questions about documents and warranty
Documentation:
- May I see the sapling’s identity card (passport)?
- What is the nursery’s license and its validity date?
- Do you issue an official invoice?
Warranty:
- How long is the survival/establishment warranty?
- Will you replace dead trees?
- Do you offer after‑sales service?
Questions about price and services
Costs:
- What is the price per sapling?
- Do you offer bulk discounts?
- What is the transport/shipping cost?
Value‑added services:
- Do you provide planting training?
- Is technical consultation free?
- Do you offer periodic site visits?
Questions about transport
Packaging:
- How are saplings packaged?
- How do you prevent root damage?
- When is the optimal time for transport?
References and experience
Track record:
- How many years have you produced seedlings?
- Where have previous customers planted?
- May I speak with past customers?
- Can I visit established orchards planted with your stock?
Important notes
- Write down the answers
- Ask for documentation to support claims
- Get quotes from several nurseries
- Don’t accept vague answers
