CODE OF ETHICS 
As a member of the N.A.G.C. Commercial Growers Division we are engaged in the growing 
and selling of Gladiolus bulb stock. Since these items constitute a vital part of, and mean 
much to the homes of America and to the American way of life, we declare the following 
to be a statement of the principals and ethics which shall guide us in our dealings with our 
customers, with each other, and with the public. 
SECTION 1 
All descriptions of stock in our catalogues, folders, mailing pieces or other offerings shall 
be true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, shall apply to the stock therein offered 
and shall not misrepresent such stock. 
All stock to a customer shall be commercially true to name as labeled and be as repre- 
sented in our offerings of the same, to the best of our knowledge. No substitutions shall be 
made without the permission of the customer. 
All stock shall be at the time of delivery of at least the size, grade and quality specified in 
our description or price list of the same, unless customer is notified of the unavailability 
of exact items ordered and agrees to accept a different size, grade or quality, with proper 
price adjustment. 
All stock sent to customers shall be properly and correctly labeled as to variety, according 
to our best knowledge and belief. 
All stock shipped, or delivered, shall be properly and securely packed to the best of our 
ability, to reach the customer in good growing condition. 
Any guarantee made shall be regarded as a pledge of our business integrity and reputation 
and shall be honestly and strictly fulfilled to the best of our ability. 
In our dealings with our customers and with each other, we shall at all times exhibit the 
same courtesy, fairness and adherence to the principals of justice that we might expect to 
receive ourselves. 
Quality shall be of the quality as set up by the United States Plant Board. No wholesale 
listing of over 100 bulbs shall be advertised in our retail catalogues. Larger lots may be 
listed at quantity discounts, but not at wholesale rates. 
SECTION 2. 
We condemn as being strictly unethical, the following practices: 
To deliberately misrepresent in advertising, catalogues, mailing pieces or in a verbal man- 
ner, any stock offered for sale. 
To sell, or advertise for sale, any inferior or diseased stock of any kind knowing such 
conditions to exist. 
To receive orders for stock advertised for sale and fail to ship, refund money, or advise 
customer of reason for delay within a reasonable length of time or as soon as reasonably 
possible. 
To supply customers undergrade stock for a higher grade without advising customer of 
same and adjusting price to conform to grade supplied. 
To deliberately disregard accepted standards and grades as generally understood among 
nurserymen with intent to defraud a customer. 
To deliberately avoid fulfilling the terms of a guarantee or to make it difficult or impossible 
for a customer to recover losses under such guarantee. 
As a member of the North American Gladiolus Council, Commercial Growers Division 
we subscribe to and agree to abide by, this CODE OF ETHICS in the conduct of our 
business. 
HAROLD STEARNS 
21 N. 2nd St. 
Estherville, Iowa 
Member: Commercial Growers Division, North American Gladiolus Council. 
Sustaining member, New England Gladiolus Society. 
Member, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin State Gladiolus Societies, Iowa Nurserymen’s 
Association. 
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