10 october 2025
Continuous improvement — that is the core of quality assurance within the RHP and RAG quality marks. Through Improvement Analyses, RHP’s technical advisors support certified companies in ensuring and enhancing the quality and safety of their products and processes. In 2024, RHP carried out 214 of these analyses at substrate and raw material producers. But what exactly is an Improvement Analysis (IA), why do we do it, and what benefits does it bring to the grower?
An Improvement Analysis (IA) is a practical visit by an RHP technical advisor to a certified substrate producer or an extraction site of a certified raw material. During such a visit, the advisor assesses the situation on-site and provides advice to improve processes, reduce risks, and ensure compliance with both current market requirements and future quality mark standards. The advice goes beyond existing requirements and focuses on continuous improvement and long-term resilience. The assessment is based on observations and relevant research data from the Minerva database. After the visit, a report is assembled with photos of specific places and accompanying explanations. Before being sent digitally, the report is reviewed by a second technical advisor.
The goal of Improvement Analyses is to structurally improve quality and safety within the chain of RHP- and RAG-certified companies and products. The analysis helps companies identify risks and take preventive measures. Examples of focus points include: preventing weeds and plant diseases (pathogens), maintaining consistent raw material quality, and avoiding contamination (mixing of raw materials) that could change product properties. The technical advisor not only indicates what can be improved but also how this can be implemented in practice — for instance, when setting up or expanding a location. In some cases, the advisor can also act as an independent expert towards third parties, such as landlords or neighbours of the site.
An Improvement Analysis is a helpful addition to the internal and external audits within the certification system:
The frequency of visits depends on the type of company and product.
By carrying out Improvement Analyses, RHP contributes to reliable growing media. The advice helps prevent risks such as weeds, plant diseases, or contamination, resulting in higher quality growing media and raw materials.
For growers, this means:
Substrates with the RHP or RAG quality mark meet strict requirements for aspects such as water uptake, air content, pH, EC, and nutrients. Thanks to monitoring throughout the entire chain — from raw material extraction to delivery — the quality marks help ensure consistent quality and safety of growing media.
