FloraCulture International July 2023

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD WINNER ALLENSMOORE NURSERIES

The aim to produce plants sustainably comes naturally

GARDEN RETAIL How is the Swiss garden centre sector faring?

GREENTECH

Another great show celebrating horticulture’s thriving tech scene Staying

Partners of FloraCulture International

FloraCulture International encourages the pursuit of joint activities in areas of mutual interest with national, and international societies, and organisations. Agreements have been reached between FCI and leading growers and trade associations worldwide. FCI is proud to work in collaboration with:

Innovation, Innovation, Innovation

Innovation is introducing something new, whether the enterprise is concrete (a new product) or abstract (developing a new service or business philosophy).

Research has found that companies that pursue sustainability significantly increase their chances of becoming innovative business leaders. Visionary entrepreneurs understand that sustainably grown products and sustainable production methods are a prerequisite because it may be necessary to create alternatives to conventional products or methods that were created before environmental concerns arose and influenced decision-making.

Emanuela Truffo of the Italian law firm Jacobacci explains how greening the Global Value Chain (GVC) in our sector has also become a business imperative, albeit with its own challenges. She highlights two completely conflicting realities. On the one hand, the GVC in ornamental horticulture is an intertwined ecosystem. All its stakeholders, from the breeder to the consumer, including nurseries, marketers, and distribution networks, are linked, and the decision made by one is bound to affect the others. On the other hand: the legal environment in which partners of the GVC build their business model very much depends on local legislation. In fact, despite all the international conventions and treaties regulating the filing and granting process of a Plant Variety Right (PVR), the primary business development tool — the contract — is governed mainly by domestic legislation. Page 32.

Markets, in essence, resist new ideas, and when novelties have not yet fully matured, it can be daunting to find financiers and entrepreneurs who believe in them. As such, awards, prizes, quality marks and recognitions play an essential role in boosting the morale of inventors and innovators.

UK-based Allensmore Nurseries won gold for Sustainability at AIPH International Grower of the Year 2023. Geoff Caesar explains what winning means for him personally and the Allensmoore team, on page 8. Don’t forget to enter the IGOTY 2024 Awards International Grower of the Year 2024 - see page 2.

Buzzing with activity was the sixth edition of GreenTech. The event is proof of how the greenhouse horticulture market bursts with innovations designed to make growing fresh produce, fruits, ornamentals and medicinal cannabis more profitable, sustainable, convenient and labour displacing. Page 38.

Another June flagship industry event is the Dutch Lily Days, a great way of showing the diversity of lilies available on the global market. Page 12.

Finally, the annual FlowerTrials concluded an eventful June, attracting green professionals from 87 countries. Attendance figures - 5,000 industry professionals visiting 60 breeding companies across 20 locations in the Netherlands and Germany equalled last year. More about FlowerTrials in our next issue, out in September.

FCI Editor Ron van der Ploeg

CONTENTS

JULY/AUGUST 2023 VOLUME 33 NUMBERS 6/7

COVER STORY

12 2023 DUTCH LILY DAYS

Staying up to date in an industry that’s constantly shifting

FEATURES

20 GARDEN RETAIL

Episode four of our ‘Exploring Europe’s Garden Centres’ series takes us to Switzerland

24 KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Jungle Talks’ Pro Manager Master Course Floriculture creates opportunities for young professionals

28 CHRYSANTHEMUM BREEDING

Floritec opens a new breeding facility in Westland

29 AIPH

Why becoming an AIPH affiliate member pays off

32 SUSTAINABILITY AND PBR

Greening the Global Value Chain is not just a fad; it’s a requirement

36 FASCINATION OF PLANTS DAY

Make a landmark ‘plant pledge’ to increase biodiversity for the future of humanity

42 GROWING MEDIA

‘Are we preparing for a peat-free future?’ - AIPH panel session at GreenTech

FloraCulture International (FCI) is an independent trade magazine with the largest circulation for a world publication of its kind. FCI is published for the ornamental horticulture industry by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). It is published 11 times per year worldwide.

Contributing writers: Tim Briercliffe, Martin Deasy, Ron van der Ploeg, Audrey Timm, Emanuela Truffo, Rachel Wakefield, Shane Wang, and Lorenz Wieland. Contact: info@floracultureinternational.com.

Address: FloraCulture International, Horticulture House, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RN, United Kingdom. Editor: Ron van der Ploeg, ron@floracultureinternational.com Worldwide Advertising Office: Angie Duffree, angie@floracultureinternational.com. T. +31 6 403 277 35. Magazine designer: Rachel Wakefield. Cover image: Dutch Lily Days by Ron van der Ploeg. AIPH ©2023 FloraCulture International magazine. All rights reserved. Publisher is not liable for the content of the advertisements. Photographs by permission of copyright owners.

IPM Essen show to celebrate its Ruby Jubilee in 2024

Next year, it will be 40 years since the very first IPM Essen show opened in Essen. A new ‘Our Heart Beats Green’ themed campaign has just been rolled out to commemorate the anniversary year taking place between 23 to 26 January 2024.

IPM Essen’s inaugural show welcomed 100 German and Dutch plant exhibitors in just one hall of the Essen fairgrounds.

The trade exhibition has gone from strength to strength and, in nearly forty years, has become an important fixture in the calendar of those active in ornamental horticulture, with IPM satellite shows taking place in China and Mexico.

“IPM Essen has written history and continues to write it. It gives the industry a powerful push every year and marks the beginning of a new horticultural year. We look forward to many more success stories and an anniversary edition that all participants will remember. We want to thank you for 40 international plant fairs in Essen,” says Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, who looks forward to next year’s special edition.

An eventful 2024 lies ahead of the iconic IPM Essen show. In 2024, more than 1,500 exhibitors from around 50 nations are expected to crowd the show floor to present their products and services to an international trade audience: from plants and

TÜRKIYE

technology to floristry and décor.

Numerous activities are planned for the 40th edition, such as a podcast, a photo campaign, a selfie point in the new campaign look and great birthday bash, paying tributes to the show’s long-term exhibitors. Congratulations can be shared on social media under the hashtag #congratsIPMESSEN.

At its last meeting, the Advisory Board gave the go-ahead for the ‘Climate Trees and Perennials’themed IPM Essen 2024 show, revealing some of its content. The Horticultural Technology feature area will focus be smart water management.

“One of the major tasks of the future for horticulture is to use plants that can withstand the changing climate.

“At the same time, it is about the careful use of resources.

IPM ESSEN offers numerous opportunities to get fit in this necessary complex of topics”, says Eva Kähler-Theuerkauf, Chairwoman of the IPM Advisory Board and President of the Landesverband Gartenbau NRW e.V. (North Rhine-Westphalia Horticultural Association. Germany).

Participation for Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş increasing

The AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expo 2023 Kahramanmaraş will open on 12 August, despite the devastating Turkey-Syria Earthquake earlier this year. There has been a lot of international support, with more than 35 countries agreeing to participate in a pavilion to demonstrate their country's ornamental horticulture. Recently Zimbabwe agreed to its participation with a visit to the Expo Park. Visit www.https://expo2023.org/en/

Royalty attends Van Gogh Museum Golden Jubilee celebrations

Former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was in Amsterdam on 2 June to attend the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the Van Gogh Museum. Sunflowers grown by Erik Overtoom joined the party.

For this milestone anniversary, the museum’s director, Emilie Gordenker, presented the former Dutch Head of State with a Takii sunflower. It was a symbolic gesture as Princess Beatrix’s mother, the former Queen Juliana, also received a sunflower when she opened the museum fifty years ago. Earlier in the day, the museum’s headline sponsor since 2015 and Japanese seed breeder Takii hosted a 50th-anniversary showcase event at the Museumplein, Amsterdam’s cultural hub, with three of its most prominent museums situated here: the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum.

Takii has made a name in mildew-resistant Sunrich sunflowers and invited city residents, tourists, and passers-by to pick up their sunflowers for free. Visitors had the opportunity to decorate their bicycles with sunflowers. They could also take photos at the colourful selfie wall and take sunflowers home.

Mayor of Onikisubat Hanefi Mahçiçek with Zimbabwe Ankara Ambassador Alfred Mutiwzuka.

Emilie Gordenker presents Princess Beatrix with a sunflower, director of the Van Gogh Museum. (Photo credit: Jelle Draper).

AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2024 extended

Entry time for the prestigious A IPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2024 is now open until 31 July.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and founding partner FCI, the IGOTY Awards celebrate the best of the best in ornamentals production. The awards comprise five categories: finished plants and trees, young plants, cut flowers and bulbs, sustainability, and inspiring business.

GLOBALG.A.P is sponsoring the Sustainability category of the

SOUTH KOREA

Save the Date

awards. This category recognises best practices and innovation in improving sustainability in areas such as water use, chemical use, climate change, and more. As a scheme focusing on safe and sustainable farming practices, this award category perfectly fits GLOBALG.A.P.

Read more about the journey for this year's Sustainability IGOTY 2023 winner from the UK, Allensmore, on page 8.

HOW TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL RISKS OF DEGLOBALISATION AND ENSURE CONTINUED SUCCESS

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) 75th Annual Congress will take place in Suncheon, Republic of Korea on 17-21 September 2023.

The programme outline is as follows:

17 September – Arrival of delegates and welcome dinner.

18 September – AIPH Expo Conference and tour of the 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo

19 September -

• AIPH General Meeting

• Industry Conference – Ornamental Horticulture in Korea – This will include speakers from the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, the Korea Federation of Flower Related Associations, a Korean grower and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Korea.

• Environmental Footprinting in Ornamental Horticulture – This will include a presentation from Albert Haasnoot from Royal FloraHolland on what the industry in EU is doing to comply with footprinting requirements and a discussion on how this can be adapted in other countries.

• Sustainability – there will be a presentation from Martin Brijs (HTA, UK) on how UK growers are reducing the use of peat and there will be a sustainability panel for members to share questions and initiatives.

20 September –

• AIPH Green City Conference – This will include presentations from Korea, the Netherlands and other countries on Green City developments.

• Green City Tours – there will be visits to Green City projects in the Suncheon area.

21 September – Professional visits to Korean businesses.

22 September – Departure of delegates

Further details on www.aiph.org/event/75th-annual-congress/

PROFLORA celerates its 30 th year

Proflora 2023 takes place in Bogota, Colombia, between 4th to 6th October. It's one of the largest international floriculture industry fairs, and it celebrates a 30 year milestone this year. We will share more details in our September edition. Visit www.proflora.co

Shane Wang was a recent participant of the Jungle Talks Pro Manager Mastercourse Floriculture (see page 24) and a Young International Grower of the Year 2023 candidate. He started as a researcher at the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center in Academia Sinica and later worked as a crop specialist in the Department of Agricultural Protection at BASF. Shane is currently serving as the crop protection and automation manager at Royal Base Corporation in Chinese Taipei, a leading Phalaenopsis breeder, propagator, and producer.

“In the post-pandemic world, the ornamental horticulture industry will likely face several challenges due to geopolitical instability, inflation and soaring energy costs, supply chain disruption, and trade disputes.

These challenges could impact the industry's ability to operate efficiently and meet consumer demands. In response, there has been a growing trend towards reducing reliance on global supply chains for different stages of production and logistics. This trend is driven by factors such as national security concerns and the need for greater supply chain resilience.

In anticipation of future deglobalisation, growers must proactively adopt measures to mitigate risks and remain competitive. One such step is diversifying the supply chain to reduce dependence on a single source. Investment in local manufacturing and adopting sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprints are other measures that could help prepare for a more localised industry.

While deglobalisation may result in reduced availability of certain flower varieties in specific regions or countries, it could also lead to higher labour costs and a lack of suitable land for cultivation. Furthermore, a shift towards local production could disrupt the existing international flower supply chain.

This disruption could cause supply shortages or higher prices for certain flower types, particularly in regions where local production is not feasible due to climatic or other factors. Therefore, the question of how to balance the movement of the production chain still needs to be solved for growers.

Overall, the trend towards deglobalisation presents both challenges and opportunities for growers in the flower industry. To ensure continued success, growers must diversify their product and supply chain, invest in local manufacturing, and adopt sustainable practices. By doing so, they can prepare for the future and remain competitive in a changing industry landscape.”

COLOMBIA

Geoff Caesar, Business Development Manager at Allensmore Nurseries, UK. Winners of the Sustainability Award at AIPH International Grower of the Year 2023.

INCREASED CAPITAL

REDUCED

Allensmore Nurseries reigned supreme at AIPH International Grower of the Year 2023 at IPM Essen, winning gold for Sustainability. FCI caught up with the company’s business development manager Geoff Caesar to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with running an ornamental horticultural business in the UK.

Allensmore Nurseries is a family-owned grower, supplier and trader of pot bedding and a range of perennials, shrubs, climbers and Italian specimen plants to supermarkets, DIY/Box stores, garden centre chains, and independent garden centres in the UK. With over 50 years of trading experience, the business operates on 140 acres of land. It has built a reputation for exceptional product and service quality across a broad product range supplied to a diverse customer base. The company is aligned with the four pillars of business growth (Branding. Innovating. Disruption. Success.) but with their own mission Environment, People, Community, and Customers. Sustainable production is at the heart of everything the business undertakes. Reducing the negative environmental impact and increasing the positive impact and support for the local community is fundamental to how they operate.

FloraCulture International: You won the Sustainability Award at the AIPH International Grower of the Year 2023; what does this mean for you personally and the Allensmore team?

Geoff Caesar: “Our product is green by its very nature, and we believe we owe it to ourselves, our staff, and our customers to produce our plants in the most sustainable way possible. Winning the sustainability award is recognition for all our team for their incredible effort to achieve this.”

What ignited the spark to enter the AIPH IGOTY Awards – and would you recommend others to go through the gruelling jury process?

“We were delighted to win the UK Horticultural Trades Associations award for finished plants, and it was suggested that we may like to apply for the AIPH IGOTY Award, which we have always regarded as the most prestigious award in the industry. Completing the application process does have its demands. Still, it is an opportunity to put into writing all the work the team achieves in growing, selling, and delivering our plants

to our customers.”

What do you feel is the biggest strength of Allensmore?

“I keep mentioning the team, but it really is our people who are adaptable, enjoy striving for excellence, want to see the business continue to grow, and always keep customers in mind.”

I am keen to know more about the decision Allensmore made to improve its environmental performance. Why and when did it begin, and how easy was it to influence the staff, customers, suppliers, and contractors on this journey?

“As an industry, I think ornamental horticulture is relatively environmentally aware. We grow a green, living product that benefits the environment, so it comes naturally to aim to produce it sustainably. When the business began development of our Madley nursery in 2012, it made sense to look at sub-irrigation and water recycling and using electric vehicles for on-site transport. Our team embraced this approach, and introducing new ways of working became our way of working.”

Your Environmental Statement shows your mission is to 'provide high-quality plants which cause minimum negative effect on our environment'. Tell us about your journey to create your integrated Farm Management Policy - and what were the challenges in reducing all the harmful activities?

“Reducing our environmental impact is an ongoing process; we approach the challenge from both the perspective of we have this impact and what can we do to reduce it but also from the perspective of this technology exists and how can we make use of it. For example, we learnt about biofilters, a very low-cost and effective tool for cleaning the water used for washing out spray tanks. We have built one on one of our sites and are now introducing them on all our sites. We had not identified tank washings as a particular problem; we were spraying them over the crop, but this

AUTHOR: RACHEL WAKEFIELD PHOTOS: ALLENSMORE NURSERIES

‘SUSTAINABILITY

COSTS IN THE SHORT-TERM BUT

RUNNING COSTS OVER A LONGER PERIOD’

From Maggiore’s to Grande’s and Medio’s to Piccolo’s, LaBella Dahlias come in all sizes and colours. For example, LaBella Dahlia Maggiore is a real eye-catcher with its extravagant and large flowers.

Are you already familiar with the ‘fun’ colours? These are distinguishable by the special colour combinations in the flowers.

The LaBella Dahlia series, with flowers that know how to highlight the art of nature, are all artists that suits every garden.

Order your LaBella Dahlia young plants or cuttings now!

SAVE

MAGGIORE GRANDE MEDIO PICCOLO

Pot size: 19-23 cm 8-10 inch

Pot size: 14-17 cm Gallon

Pot size: 12-13 cm Quart-5 inch

Pot size: 7-10,5 cm Quart-5 inch

THE DATE 17-21 September 2023

Suncheon, Republic of Korea

was time-consuming and, from a crop perspective, not always the ideal solution. Plastic pots are a big challenge, we have introduced a pot that is easy for our local authorities to recycle, but we would like to find an alternate solution to plastic use. We are working with several companies to trial potential solutions.”

Your Peat Reduction Policy states that Allensmore has been working for more than 30 years on eliminating its use. Can you let us know about the challenges involved and the positive results you are experiencing?

“Peat alternatives have been on the market for many years, but consistency, availability and affordability have always been the challenge, and to some extent, these are still challenging, particularly as demand will increase. As growers, we need to learn to work with these products. They don’t drain or retain moisture or nutrients in quite the same way as peat, and sometimes our growing practices need to be adapted to use them. We are sub-irrigating, which helps, and perennial crops are perhaps more suitable for peat-free production as they do not naturally grow in peat. We grow small peatfree batches alongside our reduced peat commercial crop, then monitor and evaluate their performance. We aim for our production to be peat free in 2026, but if this year’s trials are positive, we would like to achieve this earlier. We are also working with other growers like the Royal Horticultural Society, the Horticultural Trades Association, and our growing media suppliers to help with technical and supply challenges.”

Is it true you send zero waste to landfill? Tell us more about how you achieved this - and what are you doing with the things you can't recycle?

“We work with a very proactive local recycling company, suppliers, and farmers. We sometimes have to store materials to make recycling effective, and it does add cost at times, but it helps us achieve our aims.”

What tools or certifications does Allensmore use in its sustainability approach?

“Our changes have not been driven by using tools, initiatives or third parties, nor were customers making demands ten years ago. That is, however, changing, and customers are now increasing their expectations and requiring that we use third-party organisations. We hope this proves to be a positive change and results in positive, further change for Allensmore and others in our industry.”

Has being focused on sustainability undermined or improved the financial results of Allensmore?

“It has increased capital costs in the short term but reduced running costs in the long term. For example, sub-irrigated beds cost more than conventional beds to build, but they result in less water being used and overall watering being more, even reducing waste. Payback periods can vary, and at times they can be long.”

In what way does politics or global events influence the business, for example, with supplies of your Italian specimen plants and Mediterranean Plants?

“No one in business wants an increase in costs or administrative burden. At an international or national level, one small business like Allensmore is unlikely to be able to find solutions or perhaps even see what is coming down the road, so we work with our trade bodies to help in these areas. Most governments want to see business flourish, but they don’t always understand the impact of policies or decisions, so working with our trade bodies helps us communicate with the government.”

How have you managed seasonal labour since Brexit?

“Our returning seasonal staff applied for ‘Settled Status’, and we are making use of the ‘Seasonal Workers’ Scheme’ that enables us to bring staff in for six months per year. We have good quality accommodation on our sites and pay reasonable rates. There are increased levels of administration, but we are finding good quality staff.”

What is your view of today's global ornamental horticulture trade compared to when you began?

“Allensmore has been in business for just over 50 years, and as you would expect, things have changed over the years, be it greater globalisation or indeed, at times, reduced global trade which perhaps is the result of Brexit in the UK. However, sales of ornamental plants have flourished, helped by growers and retailers focusing on impulse sales, making selection easier for consumers, and using the improved breeding in ornamental plants.”

Tell me about your background in horticulture. When did you start at Allensmore, and what was the path you took to get to where you are today?

“I have worked in the industry since leaving school at 16, mostly in the hardy plant sector, but also a stint in young plants for the protected (bedding) plant sector. We are lucky to have such a diverse and fascinating industry and dedicated and committed people working in the industry. I have only been with Allensmore for just over a year, but I knew many of the management team before I started, and they are a great team to be working with.”

Aside from winning AIPH IGOTY23, what for you has been the most satisfying moment in your organisation’s history?

“I am sure there have been many satisfying moments for Allensmore over the years, but as I have only been with the business for a year, I would say that starting our current cohort of five apprentices is the most thing I have been involved with. These guys are the future for Allensmore and the industry.”

“Winning

the AIPH IGOTY Sustainability Award is recognition for the entire team for their incredible effort to achieve this.”

Lush lilies in the limelight

Now in its 11th year, the Dutch Lily Days is a great way of showing the diversity of lilies available on the global market and how the industry is creating the lilies of the future through lengthy breeding and selection work.

Running across four days, the opendoor event started with an official opening inside Van Zanten Flower Bulbs’s monumental building in Hillegom on 6 June. The ceremony coincided with the launch of a new range of pollen-free, singleflowering Orientals selling under the Liber Lilies brand. This year, Dutch bulb farmers began producing the bulbs, with the first Liber cut lilies anticipated to enter the market in 2024.

Over the past 13 years, Van Zanten Flower Bulbs and De Jong Lelies have carried out joint research to provide a solution for two major issues surrounding the world’s fourth most-traded cut flower: pollen stains and the strong scent of its majestic and photogenic blooms.

NOT THE FIRST POLLEN-FREE LILIES

Touting Van Zanten’s Liber portfolio as the world’s first pollenfree lilies would be what Italians call a ‘commedia del arte’ as the first pollen-free specimens such as the

The Dutch lily industry ran its 11th open house in the second week of June when it opened its doors to breeders, bulb farmers, cut lily growers, trade, and press. More than 3,000 lily professionals enjoyed going behind the scenes to witness the incredible transition the Dutch lily has undergone over the past decade. The passion and innovative entrepreneurship shown by the industry were just what the sector needed after a threeyear break due to Covid-19.

Orientals ‘Tiara’ and ‘Trofea’ made their debut more than two decades ago. Also, pollen-free is not only the domain for Orientals; the virgin white OT-hybrid ‘Le Pristine’, a breed of De Vletter & Den Haan and showstopper at the Dutch Lily Days, does not shed its pollen either. The same applies to the double-flowering and pollen-free Roselily, although the latter and the more classical, single-flowered Libers are worlds apart. Hans Damen, commercial manager at Van Zanten Flower Bulbs BV, puts it this way, “Pollen-free happened mostly incidentally. This time, Van Zanten Flower Bulbs and De Jong Lelies are the first to launch

a complete line of pollen-free lilies, including the seven primary colours that lay the groundwork for a more targeted lily breeding.” Analysing the Liber range in close detail, what stands out prominently is the colour white as seen in Liber ‘Snow’, Liber ‘Joy’ and Liber ‘Sky Master’. Its omnipresence can be easily explained, considering that the colour white across all lily groups is a firm favourite with consumers worldwide. But the Liber trio in white is also a technical matter.

For example, growing lily-cut flowers in a climate-controlled Dutch greenhouse is an energyintensive business, vulnerable to costly energy price shocks. At

limelight

the same time, lilies grown for the USA market in an unheated greenhouse in Colombia may be sensitive to dropping temperatures.

In both cases, lily cut flower forcers will look for a white Liber that can be grown at lower temperatures. Damen elaborates, “This is why we are currently setting up Liber trials across different continents, testing twice 2,000 Liber lilies over two seasons. The goal is to find out which variety is adaptable to which growing conditions, dependant on the geographical location, growing season, and growing systems, either in soil or in substrates.”

BURSTING WITH SYMBOLISM

Today, commercial cut lily growing is a global affair with Europe (the Netherlands), the USA, China, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Colombia, Mexico, and Costa Rica widely recognised as cut flower production hotbeds. But before the second half of the last century, the flower lived a more seclusive and esoteric life, tucked away in farm yards and cloister gardens. Here, it thrived for medicinal and ornamental purposes.

As one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, the genus

The Dutch Lily Days 2023 opening ceremony happened inside Van Zanten Flower Bulbs’s monumental building in Hillegom on 6 June. Left to right: Natasja van Angeren; Royal Van Zanten, Wijnand van der Kooij of De Jong Lelies, and floral wholesaler/keynote speaker Jan de Boer.

Photo: Rolf van Koppen FotografieDutch Lily Days 2023

comprising between 80-100 species and native to the temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, the bulb flower bursts with symbolism. For example, the Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) is frequently depicted in paintings of the Virgin Mary. And legend has it that Mary’s spouse, Saint Joseph, was chosen from among other men by the blossoming of his staff like a lily. Likewise, the biblical passage, ‘The just man shall blossom like the lily’, is applied to St Joseph in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church for his feast day, March 19.

In China, lilies are the perfect wedding flower as it is called 百合 in Chinese, which is pronounced as băi hé. Phonetically, these characters are reminiscent of the Chinese proverb, 百年好合 (Băinián hăo hé), meaning ‘happy union for one hundred years’. Lilies are still popular with Chinese consumers, although less used for weddings of the younger generations.

LILIES RISE TO ECONOMIC PROMINENCE

The Netherlands is a powerhouse across all disciplines: lily breeding, lily bulb farming, cut lily production, and export sales.

In 2022, Dutch exporting companies shipped 1.2 billion lily bulbs outside Europe, with China (271 million bulbs), Colombia (133 million bulbs) and Vietnam (117 million bulbs) being their biggest purchasers. Various factors helped the flower’s rise to economic prominence. In the 1970s and 1980s, breeders in the USA began crossbreeding lilies. The year 1974 marked a watershed moment when Leslie Woodriff from California launched what until today is the world’s most wellknown lily cultivar, ‘Stargazer’, an Oriental featuring deep pink flowers edged in white and elegantly recurving petals.

Dutch bulb exporters and auctionbased floral wholesalers quickly grabbed the commercial value of ‘Stargazer’ and a swath of other commercial lily varieties from across the big pond.

Damen recalls, “Royal Van Zanten’s lily business started in an era when the area planted to lily bulbs in the Netherlands only spanned

150ha. In the beginning, we sourced new cultivars from abroad, but soon Dutch breeding work laid the groundwork of what is today a blossoming industry featuring hundreds of Dutch lily varieties.” Initially, crosses between genotypes of the three commercially most important lily groups, Lilium longiflorum, Asiatics, and Orientals, turned out to be a daunting task as interspecific crossing barriers emerged. Then, Wageningen University began applying several pollination techniques and hormone treatments to bypass these barriers. Their groundbreaking research helped to flatten the red carpet for new stars in the international lily arena.

Meanwhile, researchers gave growers better insights into the causes of flower bud abortion in winter production of ‘Enchantment’ or ‘Connecticut King’ and how additional lighting could help remediate this problem. Postharvest and storage technologies progressed the industry further, while improved cultivation methods allowed lily bulb farmers to achieve better yields.

Damen says: “The sector’s more recent game changers include

As dark as night, Lilium ‘Black

the first-ever pollen-free series in single-flowered Orientals plus a range of double-flowered lilies available in different series. Our Lucky series, for example, comprises four cultivars to which two standalone whites and one pink have been added. The bottom line of the Dutch Lily Days event in June was that important lily-producing countries such as China have been cut off from the rest of the world by strict pandemic border restrictions. International customers were astounded to see the incredible transformation the Dutch lily has undergone.”

A COMPLEX, MULTIDISCIPLINARY ACTIVITY

Although it is often a thousands-ofmile return journey for attendees from all corners of the world, the show was a great way to see tried-and-tested varieties such as good old pink oriental ‘Sorbonne’, the yellow OT ‘Conca d’Or’, the pink OT ‘Table Dance’, the red OT ‘Touchstone’, along with artisan varieties such as ‘Tintoretto’, the incredible ‘Hulk’, and ‘Black Ship’. Lily breeding is a complex, interdisciplinary activity, evolving around ‘less is more’. The great lily

Ship’.

creators, who deserve credit for having enrichened the industry with new, better, healthier, showier, higher-yielding lily varieties - undertake thousands of crossings but nearly throw away the same amount of seedlings each year. Eventually, only a few seedlings with more than promising traits will make it to the top.

The breeding process is also painstakingly intensive, and the average time for varietal development is as high as ten years. It is similar to the stage gate used in project management, with a promising seedling going through distinct stages. It is separated by decision points (or gates) with multiple departments (plant pathology, molecular, logistics, marketing), each giving their input.

By the time a variety is ready for its pre-commercial launch and testing, the breeder is pretty sure about its market value. And he better is as the average life for a successful variety is around ten years. Eventually, not more than ten per cent of the breeder’s ‘chosen ones’ will enter the market backed by a ‘reasonable amount of available bulbs’.

Breeding begins by deciding which crosses to make, a challenging, analytical job as a breeder manages numerous lines of genetic material. Once the lilies are crossed, the seeds will be sown inside a greenhouse. The germination time varies. Depending on the species and hybrids, reaching the flowering stage can take two to four years.

“Typically, we grow two batches of 1,000 bulbs, each of which is subsequently trialled in the greenhouse and the open field. If they have passed this test, the lily crop with the most promising traits is ready for multiplication through tissue culture. Bulblets of between 5-7mm in size then arrive by plane from Indian or Indonesian laboratories to acclimatise in a Dutch greenhouse. That is, soilless, in a growing medium to keep the bulb stock clean.

The next year, bulbs are planted outside using different plots of

land; the year after, they spend another summer season in the field to grow into the bulbs the commercial bulb farmers use for scaling and grow into mature bulbs (while bulb producers may also use bulbils or offsets growing from the parent plants. These can be removed and replanted to grow a new lily crop).

FAMILY GATHERING

On the surface, the annual Dutch Lily Days has the semblance of a family gathering, celebrating the industry’s core values, such as togetherness, passion, and ambition. Visitors of the Dutch Lily Days typically praise the entrepreneurs’ openness to sharing knowledge and research findings, the venues’ relaxed atmosphere and the premium feel.

Boundaries within lily markets are dissolving, so the Dutch lily sector is highly interconnected. Breeding companies, for example, depend on each other genetics, and a bulb exporter’s portfolio will typically include cultivars from different breeders.

And the sector is remarkedly unified when problems arise affecting the entire lily value chain. This happens when a new pest or disease emerges, and borders for lily bulbs risk being temporarily closed. Joining forces is also helpful

when environmentalists scrutinise the industry for the umpteenth time. In such an event, the industry is quick to stand shoulder to shoulder and act and react as a unified voice.

‘Together we stand strong’ is no luxury, considering that chemical crop protection in lily bulb farming has been and remains a topical issue in the lily industry and Dutch society. Just a few days after Dutch Lily Days, a Dutch Noord-Nederland Court ruled that a lily bulb farmer in the province of Drenthe must stop using chemicals, arguing that substantial research indicates that a number of used crop protection products can be linked to neurologic diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer.

Not only did the judge prioritise the health of residents above the profitability of a lily bulb farmer, but it also overruled the Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb), whose primary task is to assess whether plant protection products and biocidal products are safe for humans, animals and the environment in accordance with international agreements and criteria laid down in legislation. So, understandably the Royal General Bulb Growers’ Association KAVB has appealed against the judgement.

A FINE LINE BETWEEN COLLABORATION AND COMPETITION

For all the images of a close-knit lily family, there is also a different reality, with a world of product offerings protected and marketed via exclusive partnerships, licenses, gentlemen’s agreements and business alliances. That is more often than not perched on a fine line between collaboration and competition.

A prime example is the Roselily brand. When De Looff Innovation discovered the first double flowering Orientals at the turn of the century, it decided to sell the exclusive propagation rights to the Roselily Foundation comprising bulb exporters Van den Bos Flowerbulbs and Zabo, and Dutch growers Moerman Lilies, Herman de Jong and Van Schie with the first two producing Roselily cut flowers

Lilium ‘Hulk’ is an artisan cultivar.

and De Jong dedicated to potted Roselily.

‘Belonica’ and ‘Fabiola’ represented the first generation of Roselilies in 2011. Twelve years later, the brand has grown into what is today a collection of nearly 62 stunningly double-flowering, pollen-free, and subtly fragrant Orientals. Purchasing manager Rob Verbraeken at Van den Bos Flowerbulbs (with a 90 per cent value market share in lilies) points to the pure white Roselily ‘Nadia’, of which currently only 10,000 bulbs are available this year. Petal colour-wise, newcomer Roselily ‘Dalinda’ is reminiscent of the iconic ‘Starfighter’ and its parent ‘Stargazer’ but then with double-flowered looks. Roselily ‘Joella’ is particularly eye-catching, combining medium-sized buds with blooms in lemon, cream and white hues.

Over the years, breeders have tried to replicate Roselily with various successes in series, semi-series and stand-alone.

Rooijakkers Breezand’s assortment, for example, features doubleflowered Orientals such as ‘Broken Heart’, ‘Distant Drum’ and ‘My Wedding’; the Lily Company has its Lotus series, while Vletter&Den Haan has been very productive in creating more than 40 doubleflowered and stand-alone Orientals and OTs for compact potted lily production or large-stemmed ‘event’ lilies. Royal Van Zanten says their double, pollen-free Lucky Lilies line is here to stay. It comprises the pinkish ‘Lucky Angel’, ‘Lucky Queen’ and ‘Lucky One’, with the white ‘Lucky Ice’soon to be added.

DOUBLE-FLOWERED AND POLLENFREE LA

At the Dutch Lily Days, each company understandingly puts its own portfolio first. Van den Bos Flowerbulbs will praise the competitor’s Liber lilies but will also question as to how to communicate the pollen-free message to end-consumers. Because consumers can clearly see the pollen, how can it be clear that it will not ripen and drop? A genuine Roselily ambassador, Van

den Bos Flowerbulbs will also tell you that double-flowered lilies will dress the future lily landscape. The news for the moment is the first-ever double-flowered, pollenfree LAs, created in association with De Vries and Laan Flora. PBRs for the yellow ‘Crosscourt’ and ‘Backhand’, red ‘Caddy’ and the orange ‘Deuce’ and ‘Forehand’ are pending, with a limited volume of bulbs to be harvested by the end of this year. Verbraeken says the line is very promising and will be selling under a yet not to be disclosed brand, grouping versatile double-flowered LAs for use in mono bouquets, arrangements and retail bouquets.

CUT LILIES

The major global flows of cut lilies are between the Netherlands and the EU, Vietnam and Japan, China and Japan, and Central/ South America and the USA. Dutch cut lily growers grow mostly for traditional wholesale and retail markets, Colombian producers target the UK retail market and USA mass-market customers, while Vietnam and China export their cut lilies to traditional wholesale and retail customers in Japan.

Over the past two decades, Dutch lily growers have expanded their businesses to benefit from economies of scale. According to Royal FloraHolland, the Netherlands currently has an area of 190ha dedicated to growing cut lilies. The Dutch cut lilies combined produce approximately 350 million stems in a single year. Putting the relationship between Dutch lily-cut flower forcers and Dutch bulb exporters under a magnifying glass, it is interesting to see how the first have increasingly become the bulb exporter’s competitors.

Consider that before the turn of the century, Italy, France, and Spain still hosted a large contingent of cut lily growers producing for the local market and purchasing their bulbs from Dutch exporters. Europe was firmly ranked as the top export destination for Dutch lily bulbs back then.

This situation changed dramatically with the rise of a

new generation of Dutch cut lily producers, increasingly dominated by large grower alliances boasting extremely competitive prices, an incredibly wide assortment, quality products and just-in-time delivery. Ordered today, let’s say, a floristry chain in Paris or a wholesaler in Rome receives his Dutch lilies the next day, often much quicker than those grown in their direct vicinity. As the viability of growing lilies in European countries other than the Netherlands is further questioned, Dutch lily bulb exporters continue to lose market share in Europe. Most of them explain that while Europe was initially the export destination Number One in some cases, it is now their smallest. And no, Dutch lily-cut flower growers do not source their bulbs from bulb exporting companies but source their planting material directly from bulb farmers or grow the bulbs themselves through contract farming.

LILY BULB FARMING

Within the global lily market, lily bulb farming occupies a kind of ‘status aparte’. The commercial production of bulbs sold to cut lily growers requires a cool environment. For this reason, most bulbs used for cut-flower production are grown in the Netherlands, France (Longiflorums in the Bordeaux area), Chile and New Zealand. Botanically speaking, lilies, of course, are bulbous perennials. Bulbs and the Netherlands are intrinsically linked, with tulips arguably being the most iconic bulb flower and Dutch landmark. Tulip bulb farming is geographically concentrated in the sandy area between Leiden and Haarlem and the clayish soils of North Holland. However, the production of lily bulbs has moved to inland provinces such as Groningen, Drenthe, Limburg and Noordoostpolders, where humusrich soil is available.

A lily bulb crop is sensitive to a range of pests and diseases, including Botrytis, aphids, Phytium, PLAM-V, Fusarium, and nematodes. As such, demand for virgin land is constant.

Lily bulb production requires both intensive and extensive rotational management. Harvest in the Netherlands typically begins in October and finishes in mid-December, depending on the weather conditions. After harvest, fields are planted with a mixture of green manure crops. The fields are managed over the next six years for oignon starter plant production or forage.

In a single year, between 80 to 100 farmers grow around 1,5 billion lily bulbs on a combined planting area spanning 4,500 to 5,000 hectares. The value of Dutch lily bulb farming at the farm gate level is €225 million. Depending on the variety/species, one hectare may yield between 500,000 to 600,000 bulbs. Revenues of €50,000 /ha are possible depending on the variety and how green-thumbed a bulb farmer is.

In determining the bulb price, the bulb circumference is leading. Naturally, the bigger the bulb, the more buds in commercial cut lily growing and the higher the bulb price. The bud number tends to be indicated by the usable bulb size, where the accepted norm for an LA-hybrid is a 12/14 bulb size with a minimum of three flowers. More

JAPANESE LILY STATS

Dutch KAVB statistics show that Japan ranks 9th in volume regarding lily bulb export sales, purchasing 71 million lily bulbs from the Netherlands in 2022.

Estimating the number of cut lily growers in Japan is not easy as the country’s Ministry of Agriculture stopped counting in 2006 when there were still 4,410 producers.

OT hybrid ‘Touchstone’, a Mak Breeding breed, was awarded Best Lily in the 2022 Lily League. This award-winning lily features giant purple-plum flowers.

Commercial lily-cut flower production in Japan follows a downward trend, with a 35 per cent decrease between 2006-2021.

Japan sources only small volumes of cut lilies from abroad. 2022 data from Japanese customs reveal 90.5 per cent of imported cut lilies originate from Korea, Vietnam (7.1 per cent) and China (1.0 per cent). Figures are invoice weight-based.

Two decades ago, OTA imported many more Longiflorums from Korea, in particular from the island of Jeju. However, that number dropped sharply because of a decrease in demand for Longiflorum lilies and the growing purchasing power of the Korean people.

Japanese consumers seem somewhat reluctant to embrace the double-flowering Orientals. Perhaps because the Japanese consider lilies to be a pretty and very natural flower, you can easily find them in the wild.

In the Japanese mountains, for example, you can come across native Lilium longiflorum and auratum. Double-flowered lilies may be too sumptuous, too decorative for Japanese consumer preferences.

The Japanese and Chinese use lilies to decorate their homes or as a gift and eat bulbs of Lilium leichtlinii, lancifolium, auratum and speciosum. Lily bulbs are served as a side dish. They can be eaten deep-fried, simmered, or added to custards and sweet sauce.

Edible lily bulbs are a starchy vegetable only available in winter.

generally speaking, bulb producers grow smaller sizes for mass-market lilies frequently incorporated in bouquets. Bigger bulb sizes are needed to fulfil the florist and event planner’s demand for showstopping lilies.

Apart from counter seasonal lily bulb production in Chile and New Zealand’s southern island – to provide Dutch flower forcers with fresh lily bulbs year-round - lily bulb farming is a typical Dutch affair involving arable crop growers, cattle, and dairy farmers. Lily bulbs can be a profitable crop. Still, the number of lily bulb producers is dwindling as fewer growers are willing to constantly serve as the scapegoat for environmental pollution. They feel that activists do not focus on the crux of the matter and frequently overlook their sound entrepreneurship, including significant reduction of chemicals, use of biopesticides and biostimulants, the maintenance of green cover of land along watercourses, planting catch crops and green manures, regular crop scouting and smart water management

Lily bulb trade is frequently modelling on supply contracts between bulb producers and the Netherlands’s five major lily bulb exporting companies: Van den Bos Flowerbulbs, De Jong Lelies, Onings, VWS, Steenvoorden, Boots Flowerbulbs, Bot Flowerbulbs, Zabo, GAV and P. Aker. But lines between bulb farming, trade and breeding can be blurred as breeders such as Royal Van Zanten, Vletter Den Haan, De Jong Lelies, and World Breeding predominantly focus on breeding while they also grow and supply bulbs.

THE FUTURE LILY LANDSCAPE

Regarding the ranking and market position of LAs, OT hybrids, Orientals, Asiatics and Longiflorums, the lily industry does not expect it will enter an era of upheaval soon.

LA and OT hybrids, with an estimated volume market share of 60 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively, will continue to dominate the global lily scene

and for a good reason. “The LA-hybrid group, bred from crossing Longiflorums and Asiatics and resulting in a suite of showy cultivars that are less sensitive to flower bud abortion than Asiatics, continues to be very popular in Europe, North America, and Japan. Depending on the local conditions, LAs have an average finishing time between 9-11 weeks instead of the slower growing Orientals (14-16 weeks) and OT hybrids (12-14 weeks). In Dutch greenhouses, growers of LA hybrids realise up to four crop cycles per year. LAs also allow bulb farmers to plant more bulbs per hectare, so LA is also a matter of better yields at the bulb farming level,” says Verbraeken from Van den Bos Flowerbulbs. Arjan Alkemade, export manager of Central and South America at bulb exporter C. Steenvoorden BV highlights the sector’s innovative capacity in pollen-free, referencing the new line of Liber lilies. He thinks Liber Lilies are unique because “it is the first-time breeders have catered for a complete pollen-free series, that is, pollen-free cultivars that belong to each other like a family. For a long time, breeders hardly introduced something new and different, in pollen-free leading to

commercial market entries, apart from some stand-alone varieties.”

C. Steenvoorden BV, founded in 1955 by the father of the current owner Cees Steenvoorden, is one of the Netherlands’ six major lily bulb exporters. Asked about his reactions to today’s available assortment of lilies, he slightly prefers the OT group, which he thinks caused quite a stir in the new Millenium, bringing with them bold colours, massive flower buds and fewer hassles for cut flower growers and lily bulb farmers alike. He says, “In Taiwan, they simply love OT as they are easy to grow in shade halls and a firm favourite with consumers.” Meanwhile, crosses between longiflorums and Oriental hybrids, the so-called LOs, are slowly making their way to the market. LO Woori Tower and LO ‘Freedom Tower’ have an upwards-growing form and uniform stem lengths and are heat resistant.

Anticipation is also building for the crossings made between Trumpets and Asiatics, selling under the Bloomlily TA brand. ‘The orange TA ‘Foxley’ holds one of the best cards. Alkemade says, “It is much more disease-resistant, so fewer chemicals are needed in bulb farming. The same applies to the red TA ‘Orfeo’. In white TAs, we have ‘Volvic’. In TA, practically the same colours are available as in LA’s, making them a potential competitor for the latter in the future.”

Overall, among Lily Days exhibitors, there was consensus that each of the lily groups would hold on to its stable ranking. Few dared to say, for example, that OT-hybrids will soon overshadow Orientals. Perhaps, they will gain some additional market share despite virus sensitivity, an issue that some accept but others contest. Across all groups, the main thrust of a lily breeding programme is the colour, number of flower buds, strong growth, pest and disease resistance level, and their presentation and orientation. Still, changing consumer preferences could spark major shifts within each of the lily groups. Pollen-free and doubleflowered lilies in Orientals, OTs and LAs are the way forward.

Wijnand van der Kooij, technical director at Andijkbased De Jong Lelies modelling the pollen-free Oriental Liber Edge.

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How is the Swiss garden centre sector faring?

Episode four of our ‘Exploring Europe’s Garden Centres’ series takes us to Switzerland, where we interviewed Erwin MeierHonegger, an unconventional garden retailer who likes challenging the status quo while running his garden centre in Dürnten.

Fourth-generation garden centre owner, Erwin Meier-Honegger is an active member of the industry body JardinSuisse and was formerly involved within the association’s board of directors.

Between 2005-2007 he served as the President of the International Garden Centre Association (IGCA). He took his early education at Centre Horticole de Lullier in Geneva and St. Gallen University, a Business Management, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, International Affairs and Computer Science school. At the same time, he took a course at the MAZ Swiss School for Journalism.

Erwin runs a garden centre near Zurich in the German-speaking part of Switzerland with his sister Bettina Walser and father, Erwin Meier, Snr.

Erwin’s great-grandparents founded the company in 1894 as a mail-order company. Their successors added a plant nursery, a landscaping department, and a gardening magazine to the business to provide customers with even greater bespoke services. A visionary entrepreneur inspired

by the fledgling garden centre business in the UK and Germany, Erwin’s father decided to expand the business by opening a garden centre in Zürcher-Oberland near Zurich. The year was 1964, and it began in all modesty with the outside offering not more than ten parking spaces.

Over the years, the company evolved into what it is today: an ultra-modern garden centre focused on seasonal, sustainably produced plants supported by a wholly owned plant nursery. Expertise, trustworthiness, and experience are the motto of Meier AG Garten Center.

AUTHOR: RON VAN DER PLOEG PHOTOS: GARTEN CENTER MEIER

Erwin Meier-Honegger: “To counteract the skilled labour shortage, wages in our industry must increase.”

FloraCulture International: We love people who use poetry to reflect on the things in life and business. On your LinkedIn page, you quote, ‘The best-laid plans of mice and men go awry’. Narrowing it down to the Swiss garden centre business, which things do you think is better not to plan as they always turn out differently?

Erwin Meier-Honegger “In addition to the well-known weather dependency of our industry, the positive and negative impact of digital disruption on our industry also seems quite unpredictable. After all, our products and services benefit our physical and psychological wellbeing and offer a depth of experience. Plants connect us with nature, while the digital age increasingly alienates us from the real thing. What does this mean for our business models? Will we need a garden centre in the metaverse? To answer this question, I recommend watching a short video clip featuring actor Danny DeVito and rapper Awkwafina, where they explain the Discord online service. You can find it on this link: https://vimeo.com/578592798”

How is the Swiss garden centre industry faring?

“In the Swiss market environment, we are privileged and almost worry-free. Consumers are still willing to consume. They are willing to pay a premium for good advice and quality. Nevertheless, the garden centres are concerned about rising costs.”

Swiss garden centre shoppers are still willing to spend and pay a premium for good advice and quality.

A garden centre is a garden centre is a garden centre… (thank you, Gertrude Stein) What is your definition of a garden centre?

“Since every plant display in every DIY store calls itself a garden centre, this term is unappealing to me. Therefore, the Meier logo comes with its own tagline: ‘Treffpunkt für Gartengeniesser’, which in English translates as ‘Meeting place for gardening enthusiasts’.”

What portion of your garden centre business (in %) represents the ‘Living Plants’ category, and in which sub-categories (houseplants, cacti, perennials, grasses, annuals etc.) do you see most growth happening?

“Up to 50 per cent of our assortment are plants (share of turnover). Most of the growth is happening in the categories Vegetables, Herbs, Fruit & Berries.”

How does your wholly-owned plant nursery in Tann benefit your garden centre business?

“Our nursery gives us the credential to call ourselves gardeners and the basis for customers’

trustworthiness of our expertise. In addition, our nursery is indispensable to logistically managing the masses of plants we sell during the season and ensuring availability. Without compromising quality or taking up too much sales space. And last but not least, we can cultivate special plant ranges in our nursery that are otherwise unavailable on the market.”

Last month, the annual open days for the European bedding plant industry, FlowerTrials, put hundreds of novelty bedding plants in the spotlight, all picture perfect, uniform in growth habit, profusely flowering, hardy, visually appealing and much more. If you ponder over the number of new plants appearing on the market each year, with only a few making it into the second or third year, what conclusions can be drawn?

“Breeders, young plant producers and growers are manoeuvring our sector into the same dilemma as seen in the world of fashion. ‘Fast horticulture’ is no less a nuisance than the ‘fast fashion’ trend. And there seems to be no counter-trend - unfortunately.”

‘PLANTS CONNECT US WITH NATURE, WHILE THE DIGITAL AGE INCREASINGLY ALIENATES US FROM THE REAL THING.’

Ernst Meier manages an international supply chain for collecting, handling, and assessing plants across Western Europe to ensure the best quality reaches the customer. What is quality?

“I think there are almost no poor-quality plants on today’s market. The quality suffers in the logistics process. Quality means partnerships that respect the added value of a healthy and sustainable garden industry.”

Does focusing on sustainability undermine or improve the financial results of a garden centre business?

“It is the same with all national and international climate goals: Will the efforts to achieve them threaten our economic prosperity? Most certainly. Climate action does not come free of charge. The CEO of the GDI Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute for Economic and Social Studies, and a futurist and trade expert, David Bosshart, once said: ‘Can we sell renunciation?’.”

How significant is the social pressure on your business to produce more sustainably?

“The pressure is surprisingly moderate. The public is not aware

Bird’s eye view of Ernst Meier AG in Dürnten.

of the ecological issues facing our industry. People assume that the gardening world is an ‘unclouded’ world. As long as the industry keeps this ‘under the lid’, it will remain quiet. However, I doubt whether this is the right way to go. I prefer to call challenges and problems by their names early on.”

What tools or certifications does Ernst Meier AG use in its sustainability approach?

“We have our subscription magazine, Pflanzenfreund, as a ‘company spearhead’ to address and honestly work through the environmental challenges of our business and industry. In parallel, we are now starting the process of an uplifting and comprehensive environmental impact report.”

Switzerland has one of the highest levels of GDP per capita in the world. Is ‘green living’ a luxury affordable only to the middle and upper classes?

“Green living has less to do with money than with renunciation. And the more money is available, the harder it is to renounce. The challenges around a green lifestyle are not the same globally.”

Last month, voters in Switzerland backed a new climate bill designed to cut fossil fuel use and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It reminded me of another referendum in which the Swiss showed themselves at the forefront of environmental protection. On 6 December 1987, the Swiss people, by referendum, voted for a legal framework to protect the upland moor of Rothenthurm and also other moors in Switzerland. This prevented the construction of a military camp on the mire and resulted in peat bog protection being enshrined in the Swiss constitution. How did the Swiss garden centre industry deal with the referendum’s outcome back then?

“In Switzerland, the Rothenthurm Initiative fired the elimination of peat in horticulture. So, we began on this path more than 20 years ago. When I told my international colleagues that there would soon be a time without peat in horticulture, I was declared crazy. Today it is simply normal. In the international arena, Rothenturm has little meaning. In Switzerland, it was simply an accelerator, a mosaic stone in the context of ecologisation.”

How must Swiss garden centres position themselves to be proactively part of the peat debate?

“Peat is no longer an issue in the hobby substrate sector. All bagged compost has been peat-free for several years. Production has been virtually peat-free for some time in cultivating perennials and shrubs. There are challenges with imported plants, annual plant production and vegetable starter plants.”

What are the opportunities and challenges when reducing peat at your plant nursery in Tann?

“Our extensive plant ranges. Adapting a few species’ cultivation conditions for peat-free substrates is easy. However, using a universal substrate with less than 40 per cent peat content is very demanding for a nursery with a large depth and breadth of assortment. Especially as many substitutes are not ecologically superior.”

What has been the secret to your thriving customer base?

“There is no recipe. Much of it is a matter of chance - being in the right place at the right time. It is like asking why a child becomes a valuable adult. Many factors influence the way - which can never be summarised in an educational guidebook.”

Founded in 2007, Switzerland’s national industry body for ornamental horticulture, Jardin Suisse represents 80-90 per cent of the Swiss garden centre sector and acts as its voice that connects garden centres in the country and supports them to adapt, educate and work. JardinSuisse comprises the Gärtnermeisterverbandes (around 1,500 members), Verband Schweizer Baumschulen (around 100 members), Gartencenter- Fachverband (around 50 members) and the Verband Schweizer Forstbaumschule (approximately ten members). Tell us about your global view on the challenges and opportunities for ornamental horticulture in Switzerland and the country’s role in the international arena.

“One key to Switzerland's success is to be irrelevant in a global context. This rule also applies to the industry. The nation’s green sector is far too small and insignificant to have

international relevance. Thus, the merger was crucial for solidarity within the sector and to keep the structures lean.”

How many Swiss garden centres are independently owned, and how many are run by Groups?

“Apart from the DIY chains, there are five garden centre groups in Switzerland. However, their ownership structures are also independent, with no more than ten branches in each case. In addition, there are perhaps 50 singlesite garden centres. There is no reliable information on the estimated annual turnover of JardinSuisse members combined. There are practically no reliable figures for the Swiss garden market. The market is too small and insignificant to collect such figures.”

Is there such a thing as a typical Swiss consumer taste regarding garden centre products?

“Switzerland is incredibly heterogeneous. There are four language regions whose inhabitants have different and sometimes even contradictory demands. In Switzerland, we often say, "Switzerland does not exist". By this, we mean that there is no unity. Our diversity in the smallest space is hardly tangible for foreigners. As such, identifying the top three best-selling categories within a Swiss garden centre is impossible. Swiss garden centres are set up so differently depending on the region and character. Generally speaking, it is more the plant ranges.”

How fierce is the competition from DIY stores?

“It is a friendly competition - not to be compared with the competition in other European neighbouring countries. Due to limited land reserves and high overhead

costs, the stakes are similar for all market participants.”

You are an unconventional business entrepreneur, judging by the columns you write for the Der Gartenbau trade publication. What are the Swiss garden centre sector’s biggest future challenges and opportunities?

“To counteract the skilled labour shortage, wages in our industry must increase. Products procured according to ecological criteria have tighter margins. The effort to offer customers an experience beyond that of online channels is getting more expensive. Ecological behaviour is not possible without sacrifice and less consumption. The government will legally restrict our plant ranges to protect biodiversity. Heat and drought reduce gardening possibilities. These are the challenges, which, of course, also hold opportunities.”

Finally, an out-of-scope question: you have a double-barrelled family surname, Meier-Honegger. It conjures up images of the landed gentry in the Netherlands. What is the origin of the family name?

“My father has the same first name as me, Erwin. So, he was Mr Meier Senior; I was Mr Meier Junior. When my grandmother was still in the business, she was Mrs Meier Senior, and my mother was Mrs Meier Junior. So, Mr Meier Senior was married to Mrs Meier Junior. That was complicated enough. When I married, we stopped distinguishing between Junior and Senior, and I combined my wife's surname with mine. Since then, my father and I can be clearly distinguished.”

Strongselling products include potted herbs in a wide variety.

Creating opportunities for young professionals in floriculture

Following a successful edition in January 2023, Jungle Talks is partnering again with leading floricultural suppliers to organise the Pro Manager Mastercourse Floriculture in the Netherlands and Germany from 15 – 26 January 2024. Jungle Talks owners and husband and wife team Ed Smit and Renee Snijders explain how the course allows participants to immerse themselves in Dutch greenhouse floriculture while meeting with industry peers and learning about other cultures.

Ed and Renee have different backgrounds in horticulture. Renee ended up working in floriculture by accident. Following her studies in Oriental Languages and Communication in her hometown Maastricht, she received a scholarship to continue studying Mandarin Chinese and economics in Beijing, China. She graduated in 2003 and wanted to stay in the city. Finding a job at that time due to SARS was not easy. The only opening was as an administrative assistant at the agricultural department of the Dutch embassy in Beijing. These were exciting times with China entering the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and preparing its bid for the 2008 Olympics. Many companies found their way to China, and although she did not know what to expect from her job, she genuinely liked the working environment.

After a year at the embassy, she moved to Kunming to head the Netherlands Business Support Office, which mainly focused on floriculture. At that time, companies such as Anthura, Van den Berg Roses, Geerlofs and Chrysal opened branches in China. She recalls how it was a time of pioneering, often done by young, ambitious people. She has fond memories of Kunming, which she thinks is a nice place to live.

Then she met Ed, who was already

based in Costa Rica. So, it was clear that one of them had to move to build a long-term relationship. Renee moved from Kunming to San Jose in 2009, and they have been working together ever since. Born and raised in Maasdijk, Netherlands, Ed Smit is a selfacclaimed horticulture aficionado. He says he breathes all things horticulture and always wanted to get the story out and connect the industry with society. After moving to Costa Rica in 2002, he became the Central American distributor for Koppert. He also became active in tourism mainly to learn from a sector that is attractive in the eyes of consumers. He wanted to know what it is to work in an industry that IS sexy and attracts media and celebrities. Ed says that his experience acquired in tourism enabled him to connect with people from outside the industry. He believes that, in essence, what he and Renee are doing is connecting tourism to horticulture, some weird kind of cross-sectoral innovation ‘avant la lettre’

FloraCulture International: What made you set up the first Pro Manager Mastercourse Floriculture in 2018?

Ed Smit: “We’ve been organising courses for horticultural managers since 2012. Initially, the courses were subsidised and aimed at growers in Central America. We saw the need and potential for

AUTHOR: RON VAN DER PLOEG PHOTOS: JUNGLE TALKS AND AIPH.

Jungle Talks owners and husband and wife team Ed Smit and Renee Snijders.

sharing knowledge and hands-on experience from the onset. In 2018, the government stopped funding; we set up a course for horticultural professionals worldwide, the Pro Manager Mastercourse Floriculture.”

Can you describe what the Mastercourse is about and which class of growers it is targeting?

Renee Snijders: “Mastercourse participants are typically ‘future leaders’, young and talented managers in floriculture with at least five years of work experience. They must be on track towards or are already in a board of directors/ general management position. Our ‘students’ are ambitious and keen to make a difference within their company and the sector. Still, participants are diverse; some focus more on growing and the tech, while others fulfil a general management or commercial/sales position. This works very well, and connecting with industry peers is undoubtedly the greatest

added value of the course. Importantly, the application process considers the values and backgrounds of the company ‘students’ represent. We focus on representatives from future-proof and purpose-driven companies.”

What has been the most valuable thing you learned yourself along the way?

Renee: “Two key issues drive the success of the Mastercourse. The first one is about selecting a group of participants that represent diversity, geographically and cropwise, but also reflect coherence. In addition, make sure that the programme runs smoothly, including and especially visits to our partners. We work with a group of purpose-driven and futureoriented companies who pay to receive our Mastercourse groups. We value this greatly because this helps to keep participation fees accessible but also ensures their commitment. However, companies must understand that a Mastercourse visit does not entail a standard company visit or commercial presentation. We bring along future leaders who are curious about floriculture’s future. It’s of the utmost importance that we can have a purposeful meeting and discuss this in an interactive way. Most partners understand this well on paper, but they need the Mastercourse’s practical experience to grab what we truly want. Finally, all our visits include board members of our partners. In other words, our future leaders discuss their future with current leaders.”

What role do the supporting horticultural companies play in this Mastercourse?

Ed: “They play a vital role in making the course successful, not just because of their financial support. The main reason is that, by opening their doors on a board of directors’ level and their willingness to discuss the future of the company/subsector they serve, they indirectly contribute to a broader discussion about the sector’s future. If you add up all these discussions in a time span of

two weeks, you get a pretty good feel of what lies ahead of us.”

The Mastercourse partners include predominantly tech companies. How does the course address the many other exciting aspects of ornamental horticulture?

Renee: You’re right. Most partners are suppliers of knowledge and technology, but we also include other topics such as marketing, branding and HR management. We do this by inviting inspirational guest speakers, but sometimes our partners also contribute with topics. Klasmann-Deilmann is perhaps a good example. They teamed up with the Maan Group, recipient of the King Willem I Award for the Netherlands' most innovative and sustainable company. This cross-sectoral collaboration between two leading companies creates disruptive solutions such as a new substrate rolling out of 3D printers.”

Once, you also hosted a Mastercourse for the medicinal cannabis industry. What’s your feeling; did cannabis fuel the growth in sales and profits the hortipreneurs anticipated?

Ed: “Frankly speaking, we were not so eager to step into it, but demand was there from both partners and potential participants. In the end, we liked it because we stepped into a completely different world. Meanwhile, that was exactly the main reason why we did not proceed with doing it. There was just too much to learn for us to be able to provide the same added value as what we provide in ornamentals and vegetables. As a company, we are too small to develop that knowledge. But if somebody out wants to collaborate with us, we are open to suggestions. What has happened in the cannabis industry in recent years was to be expected. It was a big bubble that would burst sooner or later. However, there is a great future for (medicinal) cannabis. Like always, the Cowboys pave the path and lose a lot of money. The early adopters are the ones who profit. I think we are entering that second stage with medicinal cannabis.”

What can you reveal about the Mastercourse Floriculture happening between 15-26 January 2024?

Renee: “In many ways, the upcoming course is a blueprint of previous editions, but the final selection of participants always defines the last details and focus of the programme. Our first postCovid course took place in June 2022; after a long time, people could travel internationally again, and the need to get together was strongly felt. In January 2023, the course focused on the sector’s so-called ‘contemporary urgencies’: how do we survive the energy crisis? What is my licence to produce? When I take over my parent’s company, how do I make it sustainable and resilient? For 2024, the focus will shift slightly towards your license to produce. Or even more profound, your license to be. Why does your company exist? What do you contribute to this world?”

Since 2022, participants of the Mastercourse are automatically pre-selected for the AIPH’s Young International Grower of the Year Award. Why would you recommend participants to do so?

Ed: “We think the Award ceremony positively boosts young international talent. There are few opportunities for international, young people in floriculture to meet with international peers, interact and exchange knowledge and experiences. We hope that this Award, like the Mastercourse, provides an opportunity to do just that and encourages people not only to feel proud of what they do but also to step up and show the world what value horticulture, their job and their company bring to the society at large by making the world a better place every day again and demonstrating leadership.”

Life for a young grower in, let’s say, the Netherlands, the USA or Italy can be utterly different from growers in countries with no access to the latest horti technology for various reasons. How to make the Mastercourse even more inclusive?

Renee: “Good question and not an easy one. The Mastercourse is aimed at young, talented

professionals that work in floriculture and a controlled environment. That is partly because of the partners we’ve involved in the course and partly to create a level playing field when discussing the sector’s future. We also strongly believe that the Netherlands plays and should continue to play an important role in diffusing its knowledge and technology, making it accessible. We can imagine that more inclusivity can be sought in designing different courses so that horticultural talent in countries without access to the latest horticultural technology can still learn about what’s useful for them. As one of our partners always says, “We talk about smart tech with our clients, what solution is best for them in their particular circumstances.”

Recruiting the new captains of the industry; searching for top talent in horticulture; liaising with the Guggenheim Museum in New York, National Geographic and famed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas to make them the strong advocates for Dutch greenhouse horticulture. From all this stems a desire to put horticulture on the world map, to give it the place it deserves. Why is that?

Ed: “The world is in flames, and we need to come up with solutions that contribute to the big questions we are facing. We always refer to horticulture as Formula 1 of the Ag World. In other words, new solutions for crop protection, irrigation, fertilisation, AI, and energy are usually developed and

implemented in greenhouses before they ‘go outside’. But Formula 1 is also sexy. It attracts people. As a sector, we aren’t sexy yet. Young people still question choosing a horticultural career or do not even consider it. In that respect, we believe in pull instead of push. Let outsiders tell your story. Let them be your ambassadors. Let them help us explain to the world that our sector is sexy.”

What is the next step for Jungle Talks’ Mastercourses?

Renee: “We dream of organising more Mastercourses. Regarding our participants, we now focus on ‘general management or board of director’s level’. We feel there’s much potential to offer more technical courses for greenhouse managers or Mastercourses aimed at branding and marketing. At the same time, we want to invest more time in maintaining the networks of alumni participants. We want to set up annual meetups with participants in different locations around the globe and also see if a continuous exchange of knowledge and experiences, for instance, via a webinar series or maybe just an informal online meet-up is something that people need and value.

On a more personal note, we’re moving back to the Netherlands by the end of the year, so that’s a big move after living abroad for more than 20 years. We also see this as an opportunity to stay updated with the latest in the sector and translate this into even more relevant course programmes in the years to come.”

Renee Smit as co-presenter at this year’s Young International Grower of the Year Award at IPM Essen.

FLORITEC OPENS A NEW BREEDING FACILITY IN HONSELERSDIJK

Floritec opened a new breeding facility in Honselersdijk in June.

After months of preparations, renovations and developments, all their cut Chrysanthemum varieties, pot Chrysanthemums, pot Asters and pot Celosias are all based in one location, where ‘Customised Breeding’ of robust varieties in close cooperation with growers can occur. The company’s distinctive approach to ‘Customised Breeding’ was born fifteen years ago, partly out of necessity. It was a strategic choice that later proved a crucial unique selling point. Nevertheless, Floritec is opening its greenhouse in Honselersdijk. General manager Jeroen Ravensbergen explains why he is happy about this move.

“Floritec’s mission is to develop relevant and leading varieties in close partnership with customers. Thanks to on-site development, we

can develop varieties with reduced susceptibility to diseases and pests, perfectly suited to local growing and climate conditions. Having our own breeding location is in line with our ambitions to continue to grow, professionalise, and present our varieties in trials. It also gives us more room to incorporate the gene pool of our parent company into our work.”

“Our new breeding site supports Customised Breeding. We involve some of our customers early in the development process through on-site selection. For other customers, this approach is less suitable. Nevertheless, it is essential for them to be involved. This process is much easier now that we can extensively test the new selections at our site and welcome our customers there.

Address:

Floritec veredelingslocatie

Middel Broekweg 84b

2675 KE Honselersdijk

The Netherlands

BECOMING A MEMBER IS A WISE CHOICE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

AIPH is the International Association of Horticultural Producers, and we lead the interests of global ornamental horticulture with the support of our full members, national grower associations, and our affiliate members from around the world, specifically with regards to ornamentals production, which we very much welcome input from our members on, our key focus areas are:

SUSTAINABILITY

We are committed to supporting and assisting ornamental producers in operating sustainable businesses that perform to the highest standard. You can read our Sustainability Strategy online at www.aiph.org

NOVELTY PROTECTION

We advocate fair and robust plant breeders’ rights (PBR), encouraging innovation and rewarding quality.

PLANT HEALTH

We represent growers and are active in plant health regulations and information exchange on practices to minimise the spread of pests and diseases.

INTERNATIONAL STATISTICS FLOWERS AND PLANTS YEARBOOK

Free to members (value is euros195), the Yearbook provides valuable production, export and import data from the top producing countries.

AIPH INTERNATIONAL GROWER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Major international awards celebrating the very best in ornamentals production by growers from around the world, with the annual ceremony taking place alongside IPM Essen

WHAT IS AIPH AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP?

AIPH Affiliate membership is open to any business or organisation interested in and involved in ornamental horticulture. Affiliate members can include companies that supply the horticulture industry, like manufacturers, young plant suppliers and breeders, consultants, media, individual grower/landscape businesses, landscape architects/designers, research establishments, horticultural Expo participants and many more.

Head of Marketing Syngenta Flowers APAC, Michael van Baekel, received a membership certificate from AIPH Senior International Relations Manager, Treve Evans.

Membership gives you access to members-only information, including the International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook. All our members receive our newsletters, communications, and access to industry-leading research and are invited to our twice-yearly meetings. Members can also submit news items for inclusion in our communications and media.

LATEST NEW AIPH AFFILIATE MEMBERS

After AIPH Spring Meeting 2023, hosted in Portugal, we welcomed five new Affiliate Members: Arcadis, Joseph Rochford Gardens, Modiform, Mosimann’s, and Syngenta Flowers. In our 75th Autumn Congress, hosted in South Korea, we will be welcoming more new members. If you're interested, contact AIPH Senior International Relations Manager, Treve Evans: treve.evans@aiph.org

AIPH Senior International Relations Manager, Treve Evans, with Modiform Sales Director, John van der Maarel.

Green City Post

ECOCITY WORLD SUMMIT 2023 UNITES

A GLOBAL GREEN CITY COMMUNITY

First held in 1990, the Ecocity World Summit is the pioneer and longest-running global conference on ecology and cities. Every two years, it brings together urban stakeholders from across the globe to focus on key actions cities and citizens can take to rebuild our human habitat in balance with living systems.

With the theme of Connecting Communities, EcoCity World Summit was hosted in 2023 by London. The 3-day conference was attended by a global community of experts, innovators, and urban leaders. Through keynote sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and informal networking, Ecocity World Summit 2023 explored how collaboration, participation, the democratisation of design and transdisciplinary approaches can create better cities and communities.

AIPH was accepted to present an E- poster at the summit, and Dr Audrey Timm, Technical Advisor to AIPH, attended the 3-day event. The AIPH e-poster demonstrated the value of the AIPH World Green City Awards in showcasing cities that put plants and nature at the heart of their future.

Over the three days, sessions covered four main topics: Biodiversity, Regenerative Design, New Lifestyles, and Healthy Ecosystems. We started with a keynote speaker each day, followed by parallel sessions of short presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. In a closing session, Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI and Regional Director, ICLEI Africa, spoke about the urgent and collective action needed on a scale never seen before, stating that making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century.

The conference also offered tours within walking distance of the venue, the magnificent brutalist architecture of the Barbican Centre. The tours introduced participants to some of the key projects shaping a more ecological future for London. Square Mile Farms is an urban agriculture initiative that provides small modular, vertical growing units to communities and corporations. The units use an LED lighting system and hydroponic nutrition to grow fresh greens for local consumption. The initiative serves to create a culture of community connection and awareness of nutrition and food security and brings the city greening indoors into offices and workplaces.

The Fleet Street Quarter adopted a Business Improvement District (BID) proposal that brings to reality the vision to develop the district as a desirable city space for business, culture and leisure while retaining its special character as the historic centre of the printing industry. Increasing greening and air quality improvements were priority environmental interventions in developing the BID proposal. “The Herbalist’s Press” is a pop-up park inspired by the 16th-century herbalist John Gerard, who authored and printed the UK’s first Herbal in 1587 in the Fleet Street Quarter. The creative moveable design, with plants in the raised planter beds being those that were known to have grown in Gerard’s garden, brings a playful and immersive splash of nature into the public realm. The Beech gardens in the Barbican Estate are at the centre of a housing estate built mostly in the 1970s. The garden is a podium landscape consisting of constructed beds and water features, providing a residential green space away from city traffic. Originally planted with lawns and shrubs, the garden underwent a magnificent makeover in 2013 and now showcases the dynamic, creative work of Nigel Dunnett. Plant selection and placement create continuous and successive waves of colour and texture, responding to different microclimates around the site, giving the design an ecosystem-based resilience.

The summit concluded with the announcement that the City of Durban (eThekwini Municipality) in South Africa will host the EcoCity World Summit 2025.

IRIS JAPONICA (AKA ‘FRINGED IRIS’)

Martin Deasy is a tutor on the RHS Mhort. He also runs his own landscape design business.

“With a few exceptions, the forms of Iris most familiar in European contexts require open conditions and full sun to thrive, making them difficult to incorporate into urban plantings that rely on a closed vegetation cover to achieve weed suppression and minimise maintenance. However, there are a number of useful Iris species that prosper in more crowded conditions and which offer considerable landscape potential yet are currently little used.

One such plant is the low-growing East Asian Iris japonica, native to Japan and China, where it occurs at woodland edges and in open grassy meadows. In spring, distinctive sprays of fringed pale lilac flowers with yellow crests float on branched stems above glossy mid-green foliage in a manner reminiscent of orchids, earning it the nickname 'butterfly flower'

The sword-shaped leaves emerge in fans from short rhizomes, from which slenderer creeping rhizomes extend to colonise adjacent ground, eventually forming an effective evergreen ground cover. It favours humus-rich soils, but like most Iris, it is drought tolerant once established; poor winter drainage may cause roots to rot.

Adapted to partial shade, I. japonica lends itself well to sheltered urban pocket plantings in the shade of buildings or beneath the canopy of street trees, combining effectively with ferns and other loose ground covers to provide striking early-season interest.

But as its varied natural habitats suggest, it is also potentially valuable in extensively managed plantings in more open settings: the American designer and nurseryman John Greenlee is a proponent of its use in designed meadows, where its spring flowers are held advantageously above the growing grasses. Hardy to approx. -15°C, the species is highly variable over its wide geographic range, and some recent selections— notably the striking 'Eco Easter' from the US breeder Don Jacobs—are reported to be hardier.”

Greening the Global Value Chain is not

not just a fad; it’s a requirement...

Green is a fashionable colour. Do you want to sell a product? Make it green. Are you supplying a service? Make it green. New eco-conscious generations make ‘green’ and ‘sustainability’ two musthaves in any company’s marketing and communications department, from global warming and ocean water levels to the thinning ozone layer.

Sustainability is a management imperative in all sectors of the economy. Even bakers no longer prioritise checking their (financial) balance sheet –they first need to know how green and sustainable a business is before further pursuing any financing contract.

GREENWASHING

But some Global Value Chains (GVC) are greener than others. Since turning green and sustainable is so important to get a place in the market, a good number of businesses tend to interpret their sustainability as a sort of maquillage, aka greenwashing. They focus on lookalike sustainability matters but never really action them. However, there are GVC industries that are per se green, though they're only sometimes 100 per cent sustainable: floriculture and agriculture.

*

ECOSYSTEMS

If we want to understand the GVC, we must recognise an ecosystem’s (admittedly rough) definition of an ecosystem as a bubble of life, including various biotic factors inevitably working in parallel. The GVC is also circular: all stakeholders, from the breeder to the consumer, including nurseries, marketers, and distribution networks, are linked, and the decision made by one is bound to affect the others.

Although the financial world is constantly raising awareness of unavoidable interconnections, the legal environment in which the players of the GVC build their business model largely

depends on local legislation. In fact, despite all the international conventions and treaties regulating the filing and granting process of a PBR and any other intellectual property right related to the GVC, the primary business development tool — the contract — is governed mainly by domestic legislation. A given for anyone running a multijurisdictional business like lawyers do. But for companies accustomed to dealing with biodiversity law — diversity is seen as a challenge that opens new gates rather than a threat. In a nutshell: What: The first step for a GVC business is building the proper intangible asset portfolio. The GVC is high-tech and patent driven, but it shares with the traditional economy tools and processes such as supply and demand. Hence, assets such as trademarks, company names and designs are essential for any green business success. To make a long story short, even breeders need IP Rights different from PBRs: horticulture and agriculture are two industries bound to manage a relatively complex market. Hence, they could not avoid complying with the marketing and communication rules and needs. Therefore, please invest in your 360° IP portfolio and not underestimate the economic relevance of your business names and know-how. Where: Once the intangible assets portfolio is defined, the territorial scope of the business development is defined. And along with the territorial scope comes the legal framework: specifically, the contract law to be applied. To the extent of our knowledge, horticulture and agriculture need

land to be carried on; hence, when choosing the place to establish your business, remember to deeply analyse the domestic rules concerning land ownership and the related contracts.

When: PBRs determine the timeframe. No PBRs, no business. Instead, no IP Rights and no business. Therefore, building, developing, enforcing, and defending a company IP Portfolio is one of the chosen few pillars to start a business. They are those who make the difference between failure and success.

Who: Breeders, nurseries, marketers, and retailers, from street markets to department stores, including corner stores and supermarkets. These are the stakeholders of the GVC in horticulture and agriculture. They are intertwined: if one link in the chain fails to comply, all the others are (badly) affected by the failure of one. Because, often, being green and sustainable means being circular. As a matter of fact, isn’t the ecosystem interconnected?

Isn’t the ecosystem interconnected? Isn’t the meaning of an ecosystem the systemic interconnection of all beings and species on Earth?

Why: History teaches us that when the stakeholders of the GVC stop collaborating, the whole GVC is seriously damaged. Hopefully, we are still able to stop what seems like an unstoppable journey to the ultimate destruction of the planet we know.

As everybody has been saying through decades, nations and institutions, the citizens must join forces to raise awareness and keep greening the GVC in the spotlight, where it belongs. Because green matters. But no fake green, please.

AUTHOR: EMANUELA TRUFFO*

Emanuela Truffo is a Partner at Studio Legale Jacobacci E Associati

THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR A SUCCESSFUL GARDEN: Phosphorus, potassium, and a pinch of Atami magic!

Do you want to discover the secret to bountiful harvests and breathtaking blooms? Then, let us introduce you to two elements that play a crucial role during the flowering phase: Phosphorus and Potassium.

Phosphorus facilitates the storage and distribution of energy obtained from sunlight during photosynthesis. By ensuring optimal energy distribution, phosphorus enables the plant to thrive and flourish.

Conversely, potassium is a key player in various processes essential for flower and fruit development. It aids in transporting sugar and enzymes crucial for starch production, contributing to the formation of luscious fruits and blossoms bursting with flavour.

To help you unleash the full potential of your garden and witness beautiful blooms and harvest delicious fruits, we have several products that are rich in both elements. Each has its characteristics, but all of them

will help you achieve that dream bloom. We could only begin this list of recommendations by talking about the Bastic Family, home to two phenomenal members: Rokzbastic and Bloombastic. These internationally acclaimed blooming products have revolutionised the art of cultivation. Each product boasts a distinct composition, resulting in unique effects:

Rokzbastic , with its abundant potassium content, possesses great compacting power. This product will ensure bigger and shinier flowers and denser, tastier fruits.

Bloombastic, with its balanced concentration of both elements, makes it an option that works as a stimulator, hardener, and taste enhancer.

For the more experienced hobbyists, B'cuzz Blossom Builder is the perfect ally in the quest for big, abundant flowers thanks to its high concentration of phosphorus and potassium.

While for gardeners who prefer to keep things

simple without sacrificing great value for money, then the ATA PK 13-14 finisher is for you. Both these products have potassium (P) and phosphorus (K) as the main elements of their formulation, which meets the high demand from the plant during the flowering phase.

We also have solutions for conscious gardeners who prioritise organic methods. In this case, ATA NRG Bloom-C is the perfect choice. This liquid organo-mineral has a balanced ratio of potassium and phosphorus, which fuels the formation of vibrant flowers and delicious fruits.

Now you know the secrets to elevating your gardening experience to new heights. Try Atami's flowering and finishing products and watch your plants reach new peaks of vitality and productivity during the flowering phase.

Make a landmark ‘plant to increase biodiversity for the future

Speakers at the Plantum Peptalk event, held in the Hague on 23 May, urged industry, universities, and government to sign a ‘landmark plant pledge’ to become genuine custodians of plants. They argued that the solution to any problem begins with plants. Plants help tackle global challenges. More plants mean more biodiversity, less nitrogen-based pollution, a healthier diet, and more well-being.

PLANT FACT ONE

Moderator Esther Molenwijk announced Professor of IPlant Physiology at Amsterdam University Michel Haring as the first speaker. In his ‘What do we know about plants’-themed mini-lecture, Haring explained that from the 400,000 plant species on Earth, a meagre 1,000 had been brought into cultivation since the domestication of plants first began.

Adri

Bom-Lemstra, President of the greenhouse horticulture industry body

Glastuinbouw

Plants are immortal. Scientists have found a refugee population of seaweed aged around 16,500 years old. There is also a 9,500-year-old Norway spruce. This Picea abies has regenerated new trunks, branches, and roots over millennia, so it is a clonal tree rather than an individual tree of great age – but still very impressive survival.

The world has an estimated 50,000 edible plants. Just three of them, rice, maize, and wheat, provide 60 per cent of the world's food energy intake. Plants, Haring continued, adapt in many ways so that they can survive in different habitats. “So, take care of our plants. Today’s plant breeding is primarily conducted in a traditional context with little focus on root-soil interaction because farmers use fertilisers and pesticides. Resistance breeding and plant breeding driven by a good interaction between the soil microbiome and the plant is a future strategy for reducing crop losses and the dependency on chemical crop protection products.”

GREEN (PLANT) DEAL

Sijas Akkerman, director of Nature and Environment in the province of Noord-Holland, urged his audience to sign a ‘Plant Deal’. Increase biodiversity by using multi-crop

Nederland said: “Flowers and plants are vital for the Dutch economy. But apart from providing food, there’s too little attention given to the many benefits plants bring to our planet.”

systems, alternate season crops and rotation. He also encouraged growing 500.000ha of Lupins instead of maize for cattle. “Lupins can take nitrogen from the air. As a sector, we need to step up and use plant-based products to tackle global challenges,” Akkerman said. Maria Geuze, director of Slow Food Youth Network, referenced the keynote speaker Haring’s presentation: “Today, 75 per cent of the world’s food originates from only 12 plants. Our Planet Earth cries for diversity and resilient cropping systems. Soil and humans thrive when there’s biodiversity. Food consumption must diversify, with a plant-based diet playing a

PLANT FACT TWO

Sugarcane is considered the most successful plant worldwide because it is used to make sugar and biofuel. Soya beans come second. An estimated 90 per cent of soya beans are grown to produce cattle food. Will this change in the next ten years?

AUTHOR: RON VAN DER PLOEG

‘plant pledge’ future of humanity

major role. I would like to invite the Netherlands to tap into the potential of protein innovation and start trialling crops such as beans, peas, and chickpeas as they perfectly fit the global protein transition.”

Rick van de Zedde, project manager of the Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre at Wageningen University & Research, said climate change offers opportunities. He recommends Dutch growers grow quinoa because it’s exceptionally nutritious and robust. He explained, “Farmers grew quinoa on the slopes of the Andes mountains more than 7,000 years ago. Since 1990, WUR has been involved in quinoa research using digital phenotyping. It focuses on finding quinoa which can adapt to Dutch circumstances. However, farmers still need to learn how to grow the crop, while consumers must become more acquainted with using it in mealtimes. But the crop grows literally everywhere.”

Adri Bom-Lemstra, President of the greenhouse horticulture industry body Glastuinbouw

Nederland said: “Flowers and plants are vital for the Dutch economy. But apart from providing

food, there’s too little attention given to the many benefits plants bring to our planet. Trees and plants are the best air conditioning you can imagine. Planting urban trees and creating urban green spaces help reduce high temperatures, improving air quality. Research also found that greenery can improve physical and mental health. Plants improve concentration and productivity among office workers, students, and children. And when you put plants in a medical environment, patients tend to feel better. So, I urge everyone to bring more plants into our life.”

PLANT PEEP SHOW

Plantum hosted the Plants Peptalk during the Fascination of Plants Day.

Launched in 2015 as the firstever global horticultural event, the Fascination of Plants Day celebrates the manifold uses of plants for food, nutritional security, paper, medicine, chemicals, energy, and enjoyable landscapes.

The Fascination of Plants Day is officially on the 18 May. Still, many lectures, open days, conferences, and workshops continue at universities, botanical gardens, museums, schools, public spaces, city centre squares and parks throughout May.

Between 23-24 May, Plantum, the Dutch association for the plant reproduction material sector and co-organiser of the Dutch Fascination of Plants Day, invited visitors to their purpose-built Plant Peep Show in the Anna van Bueren Square in the Dutch city of The Hague. Inside, six small rooms, larger than a traditional phone box, they encouraged the audience to get excited by the wonder of

plants. Biologist Charlotte Nederpel was available to answer questions and highlight the importance of plants and plant science. Especially considering climate change, population growth, stressed plants, a global crop protection market in motion, and a new generation interested in plant-based foods.

PLANT FACT THREE

Many plants bloom in May. Humans relax when they smell the scent of freshly mown grass. However, this odour is a defence mechanism triggered by a chemical released by freshly cut grass - a sign that the plant is unhappy. The pertinent question is if we humans care for the happiness of plants, maybe we should ‘listen’ to them more. Initiatives such as ‘No Mow in May’ are helping to raise awareness and protect pollinator populations. Also, it is a given fact that ‘blooming kerbsides’ make people happier.

Maria Geuze, director of Slow Food Youth Network.

GreenTech 2023

Confirming its position as the world's most influential greenhouse tech event, the 2023 edition of GreenTech was buzzing with activity between 13-15 June 2023 at the RAI Amsterdam.

The sixth edition of the AIPH-approved horticultural technology shows GreenTech welcomed 11,500 attendees from 128 countries, an attendance increase of seven per cent on 2022 figures. Five hundred forty greenhouse builders, horticultural engineering and lighting companies, substrate suppliers, service providers, trade associations and research institutes showcased new products and services with green professionals eager to discover what technologies work for them.

As China’s reopening gains momentum after three long years of Covid-19 restrictions, the country unsurprisingly became one of the top five most-represented countries. Knowledge- and travelhungry people from other parts of Asia also crowded GreenTech’s show floor. The greenhouse tech event welcomed many German,

British and Dutch visitors. The busy aisles and full booths at this year’s event underline the increasing interest and investments in greenhouse technology. This year’s trade exhibition saw 17 incoming trade missions, many side events such as Meet the Xpert, Power Day, and the 100 GreenTech knowledge sessions featuring 220 speakers discussing the many aspects of greenhouse horticulture. Sustainability, climate change, energy efficiency, automation and robotics were hotly debated topics.

OPENING CEREMONY

At GreenTech’s opening ceremony, Jaap Bond, chairman of the business platform Top Sector Horticulture and Starter Plants, showed himself very proud of horticulture at home and abroad. He referenced the sector’s difficult balancing act between innovation, investment, crop yields and income. The solutions are there, while the

challenges such as sustainability, water scarcity, and food security are well-known. In citing a recent economic study for horticulture, Bond compared the 2023 figures with those of four years ago. “The sector’s added value increased by eight per cent to 24 billion euros annually. This corresponds to a three per cent contribution to the Dutch economy.”

Private investment in research and development, Bond said, reached the astonishing sum of one billion euros per year, a growth of almost 20 per cent in four years. “The sector’s innovative capacity proves how hortipreneurs are investing massively in climate change and its e-manning challenges.”

Bond added, “These figures show the sector’s resilience in challenging times. They also show the sector’s innovative strength, which is needed to meet the challenges ahead.”

Adri Bom-Lemstra, chairwoman of

Inside the 2023 GreenTech show.

the industry body for greenhouse horticulture Glastuinbouw Nederland, equally feels proud to represent a highly dynamic horticultural sector that benefits the Dutch economy and society. “We find solutions to mitigate climate change and manage water in smarter ways. Our entrepreneurs and growers produce healthy fruits and vegetables daily and provide a healthy and beautiful living environment. There are almost 250,000 jobs in this sector in the Netherlands, and fortunately, more and more young people realise that working in horticulture is important for society.”

However, Bom-Lemstra also mentioned that the sector has gone through a difficult period in the last two years with high energy prices and cost increases across the board. At the same time, the business environment is becoming more challenging. As such, she urged the Dutch government and the European Parliament “to

ensure a good business climate so that our companies can stay in the Netherlands and are not forced to move abroad. In this way, the sector’s innovative capacity can contribute to a healthy, sustainable society for many years.”

BRIGHTER OUTLOOK FOR GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION

There was an overall consensus among GreenTech exhibitors and visitors that last year marked a temporary pause in greenhouse construction activity due to the effects and uncertainties caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine. Because of skyrocketing energy prices, horticultural entrepreneurs thought twice before constructing a new greenhouse; almost no new greenhouse structures emerged, not even in the USA. In the Netherlands, several greenhouses growers stopped altogether as they could no longer pay their energy bills. More generally, those who stopped did

not demolish their greenhouses but sold them to neighbours or industry peers.

Today, the gas price is still high but finds itself in less rocky waters and therefore, the prospects for new greenhouse construction are developing more positively again. A temporary pause in greenhouse construction did not mean that greenhouse companies could sit back and relax. Surging costs drove demand for greenhouse rooftop solar, adjustments in thermal screens and optimising heating installations.

Last year’s trend was also to save energy in greenhouse cultivation. Some tomato producers in the Netherlands dimmed their LEDs or switched them off temporarily.

ROBOT CHALLENGE

The winner of GreenTech’s Robot Challenge is Corvus Drones (www. corvusdrones.com). The company launched its new E12 series microdrone as a “groundbreaking solution” for even better monitoring of food and ornamental crops. Thanks to the drone’s fast central processing unit (CPU), which can scan a wide area, the E12 series achieves a high scanning speed. No external memory is needed, and due to its small size, the drone generates less downwind. The E12s can be operated with different cameras. One is getting closer to the goal of being able to digitise every plant in every greenhouse, says the exhibitor. Corvus Dornes is a supplier of drones that fly autonomously through the greenhouse and can collect data and photos on plant behaviour, diseases and pests, crop forecasting, germination, growth, yield, and deviations.

Demo area of Corvus Drones, winner of GreenTech’s Robot Challenge.

‘THESE FIGURES SHOW THE SECTOR’S RESILIENCE IN CHALLENGING TIMES...AND ITS INNOVATIVE STRENGTH, WHICH IS NEEDED TO MEET THE CHALLENGES AHEAD'

LED LIGHTING BECOMES MORE FLEXIBLE

Considering the rising energy costs and the need for optimum growing conditions, flexible lighting is key, for example, regarding controlling or switching off certain groups of LEDs or certain LED colours.

Fulfilling these market demands was a large contingent of LED lighting suppliers at GreenTech, offering a range of solutions.

Available on the market today are central drivers for LED lighting, where the connected lamps don t have their own individual driver and are getting multi-channel capability.

This technology allows the LEDs to be grouped and also individual LED colours with specific light qualities to be controlled individually or switched off. This makes it possible to select the right light for highyielding harvest or strong growth and also to save energy. The lamps without their own drivers are also less expensive and do not heat up as much.

Central drivers were presented at GreenTech by Inventronics (www. inventronics-co.com), GSNL (www.

gs-nl.com) and Advanced Energy/ Artesyn Lightning (www.artesyn. com).

Signify (www.signify.com) signals the trend to link the usage of LED lighting to the current electricity price via climate software from Priva or Hoogendoorn, allowing growers to use less lighting when electricity prices are high. Depending on the application, the spectral range for red is also becoming more important. For example, Fluence Bioengineering (www.fluence.science) offers dualchannel colour far-red capability with the latest addition to its VYPR series for cultivation.

COST-EFFICIENT GREENHOUSE HEATING

In the heating sector, electric water storage tanks caught the eye, for example, at Zantingh (www. zantingh.com), BKC/Groove (www. boetersbkc.nl) or in the range of products offered by Bosman van Zaal (www.bosmanvanzaal.de) Using better fluctuating energy supplies such as solar cells or fluctuating electricity prices is the idea.

These tanks can store solar power in heat for several hours and release it later when needed. They also offer advantages if the calculated price in the electricity contract is updated according to the current price on the electricity market, for example, every hour or, as is also said to happen, even every five minutes. There is also a subsidy from the Dutch government for such electric water storage systems because this technology may relieve the electricity grids. Several systems simultaneously heating, cooling, and enriching the greenhouse air with CO2 were displayed at the fair—for example, Biotherm's PlantCentris system (www.biothermsolutions.com) and other suppliers.

Skytree won the Concept Award for product Model 5.

‘THE SECTOR’S INNOVATIVE CAPACITY PROVES HOW HORTIPRENEURS ARE INVESTING MASSIVELY IN CLIMATE CHANGE'

GREENTECH AWARDS

On GreenTech Amsterdam’s opening, the 2023 GreenTech Awards winners were announced. Skytree won the Concept Award for product Model 5. And Biobest, in collaboration with PATS, scooped up the Innovation Award for the product Trap-Eye. Skytree’s DDAC technology captures CO2 directly from the air and allows it to be commercially utilised or permanently stored. Skytree provides Decentralised Direct Air Capture (DDAC) units that offer a scalable alternative to the current fossil fuelbased CO2 supply chain. The DDAC units enable businesses to extract clean CO2 directly from ambient air on-site for direct usage or permanent storage. This approach satisfies the demand for CO2 while decreasing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Biobest’s Trap-Eye unburdens growers from sticky trap scouting using wireless devices that identify and count insects to provide a complete population overview. Scouting is the first crucial step of a successful IPM. Trap-Eye™ fully automates sticky trap monitoring. It uses a dense network of scouting devices to take pictures of sticky traps, which our artificial neural network analysed to count pests and beneficial insects. This provides profitable, accurate, high-density scouting data for better IPM decisions anytime and anywhere.

Using central ballasts (with multiple channels) that are decoupled from the lamps, such as those offered by Advanced Energy/ Artesyn Lightning (www.artesyn.com), helps the lamps save space.

Systems that can heat, cool, and enrich the greenhouse air with CO2 were displayed at the fair — for example, Biotherm's PlantCentris system (www.biothermsolutions.com) and other suppliers.

Electric water storage tanks for heating, for example, at Zantingh (www.zantingh.com), BKC/Groove (www.boetersbkc.nl) or in the products offered by Bosman van Zaal (www.bosmanvanzaal.de).

Biobest, in collaboration with PATS, scooped up the Innovation Award for the product Trap-Eye.

Are we preparing for a peat-free

This was the question the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) tried to answer in a panel session on Thursday, 15 June, at GreenTech RAI Amsterdam.

The industry is united in wanting to create a more sustainable sector to meet the needs of future generations. Growing media is an integral component of container-grown plant production and has come under increasing scrutiny relating to its environmental impact. Since the 1990s, growers in the UK have been faced with pressure from campaigners and the Government to reduce the use of peat. Recently the UK government has decided to bring forward its ban on the commercial use of peat in plant production from 2030 to 2026. This move will force the sector to move to peat-free production much more quickly than expected. Many factors will make this transition

difficult, including the availability, quality and cost of alternatives and the research required to produce quality plants in alternatives. Other European countries are also being challenged in this area and are active in seeking sustainable growing media solutions. As in the UK, Europe has a mix of views and opinions on this topic.

The position of Growing Media Europe (GME) is quite firm in still supporting the ongoing use of peat and other materials. They have done much research on Life Cycle Analysis and made the point that Europe can meet the rising demand for food and meet other environmental requirements without using peat as a material that ticks all the other boxes, just isn’t there yet.

Manufacturers showed a more proactive approach. It was interesting to hear Klassman MD Moritz Boeking on the panel and it is clear that his company is and has been doing extensive research on alternatives and even with innovations like artificially grown sphagnum.

They see the writing on the wall for peat in Europe, yet they are more confident in a longer-term and less urgent transition than in the UK. The transition in the UK has hardly been rushed either, as the government has been wanting to remove peat from horticulture for 30 years. However, implementing it has been impossible because the commercial drivers were not there. The legislation was always going to be the only way to ensure

peat-free future’ ?

change, and the 2030 date would have managed that.

AIPH’s Secretary General Tim Briercliffe believes that bringing that date forward is extremely foolish, not only because he is sure it will prevent an orderly transition but will also fail to achieve any additional environmental benefit.

Some EU countries like Germany are pushing hard towards peat-free and non-EU like Switzerland.

Briercliffe says, “Across the rest of Europe, there is a more managed approach with industry, and it is hard to see all EU countries agreeing to a ban in the same way the UK has, at least not in timescales, anything like as quick.

“Although countries like Germany can push, they can’t ban it unless the whole EU agrees.”

That said, the overall push for sustainable production in Europe is strong, and growers can see this. Many are working on looking for alternatives.

For example, Leonardo Capitanio from Vivai Capitanio in southern Italy has hired someone specifically to research this for his company. Unlike for peat, there will be no one size fits all solution, and while wood-based materials might have a strong place in the UK, they are simply not available in other areas such as in Italy. They are looking at using olive bark but find challenges with the tannins.

A very innovative grower, Charl Goossens from Gova BV in the Netherlands, supplies Laurus to the UK market. He has worked extensively on

researching alternatives and is peat-free. They grow and process Miscanthus grass specifically for this purpose and sell it to other local growers too. But this wouldn’t work in hot climates where water is scarce, and that crop wouldn’t grow well.

The panel gave a flavour of the challenges faced but also brought out the innovative players in our industry.

The impending ban in the UK has certainly stimulated much action in Europe, particularly the Netherlands. They will find solutions with their spirit of collaboration and innovation, but they really want the solutions to be genuinely sustainable.

Briercliffe concludes, “They don’t want to find themselves in the situation of finding an alternative which is also considered unacceptable sometime in the future.”

Photo: Klasmann-Deilmann Re-Naturation

The autumn edition of Plantarium|Groen-Direkt in Boskoop will be Europe's top nursery stock show

AIPH-approved Plantarium|Groen-Direkt’s fall edition, features 200+ exhibitors and 20,000m2 of exhibition space. Perfect for garden center retailers, nursery growers and landscaping pros.

More than 200 wholesale plant nurseries will showcase starter plants, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and everything in between.

FIRST-TIME EXHIBITORS

Organisers warmly welcome more than 30 first-time exhibitors, making the plant range shown on the Plantarium|Groen-Direkt even broader. New on the Plantarium|Groen-Direkt stage is Hydrangea grower Sjaak van Schie from Maasdijk. The company supplies Portuguese-grown Hydrangea cuttings, half-finished plants and finished Hydrangeas. Also, a first-time exhibitor, Bailey Nurseries from Minnesota, the USA, offers a wide range of plants for retailers, growers and landscapers, from potted ornamental shrubs and perennials to their popular consumer brands. Newcomers Piece of Jungle from Schipluiden and Eurovivai from Italy grow colourful Caladium houseplants and Acers and Azalea, respectively. Flying the German flag are several growers presenting their plant ranges in a purpose-built German aisle.

A MUST FOR EVERY RETAILER

The two-day event is a must for any garden retailer, a showcase

for the latest breakthroughs in plant breeding combined with a dynamic order-writing trade show for plant suppliers and their buyers.Retail buyers can find more than 5,000 sample batches of readily available plants on display benches and a Danish Trolley Fair in the Groen-Direkt feature area. The latter allows green professionals to buy plants in smaller quantities per Danish trolley layer.

COMPREHENSIVE LAYOUT

Walking the Plantarium|GroenDirekt 2023 show floor will be easy as organisers catered for a comprehensive, spacious, systemic design with more compact stands and sample displays.

A central axis divides the show floor into two halves. One provides space for direct-order plants through Groen-Direkt’s sample batches. The other half is showier, with exhibitors showcasing their products and services in lavishly decked out stands. This section also hosts the show’s novelty showcase and the Groen-Direkt Christmas Tree presentation.

AWARDS

Plantarium|Groen-Direkt is THE event for European garden retail, offering the perfect

launch platform for new plants. Recognising the sector’s extensive breeding and selection work in new plants, its inspiring marketing concepts and plants with the ‘wow factor’ are three sets of awards. Arguably the show’s most prestigious awards (read: medals) are handed out by Boskoop’s Royal Horticulture Society (KVBC). The KVBC Awards are the beating heart of the AIPH-approved Plantarium|Groen-Direkt show showcasing the best in new plant introductions from plant suppliers. The trade show is also the place to find the best marketing concept. Last year, for example, Griffioen from Boskoop scooped up the Green Concept Award for its Wild & Inheems (Wild & Native) concept. Finally, the show presents a third awards category: the People’s Choice Awards, chosen by attendees voting on the show floor. Plantarium|Groen-Direkt and Groen-Direkt sample fair exhibitors can participate in all novelty inspections.

The KVBC Awards and Green Concept Awards are also open to non-participants of the trade exhibition. Judging sessions in all three award categories will be organised during the Autumn Edition.

Registration for these judging rounds is via the Plantarium|GroenDirekt’s website

EXPO-SURE

JULY 2023

2-5. ITALY

XXVII International Eucarpia Symposium Section

ornamentals with the theme: From Nature to Culture: Breeding Ornamentals for Sustainability. www.gbh.eucarpia27.unige.it

AUGUST 2023

22. BELGIUM

Florall, Belgium’s leading horticultural trade show at Waregem Expo. www.florall.be/

22-24. NETHERLANDS

Novae Fabula event at Bunnik Group’s Experience Centre in Bleiswijk. www.bunnikplants.nl

23-24. NETHERLANDS

Autumn edition of Plantarium Groen-Direkt at Boskoop’s International Trade Centre.. www.plantariumgroendirekt.nl

Why not combine a horticultural trip to Florall and Novae Fabula with a trip to Plantarium|Groen-Direkt Fair? Click for more details.

SEPTEMBER 2023

7-9. UNITED KINGDOM

Interflora World Cup at Manchester Central. www.interflora.co.uk

8-10. NETHERLANDS

Holland Dahlia Event, held in the region between Haarlem and Leiden.

www.hollanddahliaevent.com

12. FRANCE

In association with Valhor, Destination Angers will host its Journée Pro Végétal Connect at the Centre des Congres in Angers. A biennial event bringing together growers, wholesalers, landscapers, city authorities and horticultural suppliers to discuss the future of ornamental horticulture in France.. www.vegetal-connect.com

FLORMART RETURNS TO PADUA BETWEEN 20-22 SEPTEMBER 2023

Italy’s iconic Flormart show, happening in its hometown Padua between 20-22 September 2023, brings the world of commercial horticulture, urban greening, and landscaping together.

The exhibits theme will be reminiscent of one of Aristotle's five classical elements. The Fire-themed area will host machinery and crop protection suppliers, the Water section features water technologies and solutions, Earth unites all horticultural breeders and producers, while Air and the Fifth Element sections groups landscape architects and landscape maintenance companies. Now in its 72nd year Italy’s second-largest horticultural trade show takes place on the recently renovated grounds of PadovaHall, in partnership with Fiera di Parma, and under the guidance of ITA, the Italian Trade Agency, Flormart will welcome a global buyer’s delegation again.

Flormart’s September 2023 edition will serve as a platform to exchange ideas and research findings. The focus will be on Italian-grown flowers and plants, offering growers an opportunity to showcase their latest breeding breakthroughs and excitingly new varieties.

Among the new visitors of Flormart – ‘The Green Italy’ are some emerging professional figures, such as landscape designers and

13-15. RUSSIA

Flowers Expo at the Crocus Convention Centre in Moscow. www.flowers-expo.ru

17-21. REPUBLIC OF KOREA

AIPH’S 75th Annual Congress in Suncheon.

17 September – AIPH Board

18 September – AIPH Expo Conference and tour of 2023

Suncheonman International Garden Expo

19 September – AIPH Industry conference

20 September – AIPH Green City Conference and tours

21 September

– Professional visits

architects, but also institutions and public bodies responsible for urban planning. Several buyers from large-scale distribution and garden centres have already confirmed their participation in view of an increasing interest in the sector in dedicating more and more space to floriculture, horticulture, and home gardening in the modern points of sale. In addition to showcasing innovations in breeding, cultivation, processing, packaging, equipment, and services for the global ornamental horticultural industry, Flormart will offer top-notch education seminars aimed directly at the green professional. The show’s tagline this year is ‘The Green Italy’.

Now that the global green city movement is gaining traction, the Flormart forum discussions will highlight how green infrastructure can contribute to a city’s liveability through its economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Flormart’s message will be clear: Italiangrown flowers and plants play a crucial role in helping realise successful urban green spaces.

theme: ‘Flowers&Music’. www.fleuramour.be

22 September – departure www.aiph.org/event/75thannual-congress/

21-23. ITALY

Flormart, Italy’s second-largest horticultural trade exhibition taking place at PadovaFiere in Padua.

www.flormart.it

22-25. BELGIUM

Fleuramour is a four-day floral extravaganza with more than 400 floral artists from all over the world working on this year’s

24-30. ITALY International Garden Centre Association Conference in Baveno (Lake Maggiore). The conference pre-tour includes a visit to Sicily’s iconic plant nurseries. www.igca2023.com

27-28. UNITED KINGDOM Landscape, The Industry Trade Show at NEC Birmingham. www.landscapeshow.co.uk

Five things to know about Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar

Scheduled to start on 2nd October, 2023, Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar will be unique in many ways. Held under the Theme “Green Desert, Better Environment”, this year’s Expo will launch the global call to fight desertification and join forces to ensure food security and access to water – particularly through technology and innovation.

1. Qatar will be the first Arab country to host an A1 World Horticultural Expo.

After the incredible FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Qatar is showing another facet of its development strategy to the world – this time, focused on sustainability and building a green future, even in the most arid of places.

2. Four key sub-themes will drive Expo content – Modern Agriculture,Technology & Innovation, Environmental Awareness and Sustainability. Inviting participants to highlight these sub-themes in their pavilions, Expo 2023 Doha will become a global platform for cooperation, seeking common solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges.

3. Expo 2023 Doha is committed to sustainability and will integrate it into its operations.

Using sustainable materials and 3D-printed biodegradable structures and running an efficient recycling policy while capitalising on the World Cup infrastructure, Expo 2023 Doha will demonstrate “sustainability by design” and aims to further elevate

sustainability standards for global events in the region and across the world.

4. Al Bidda Park will be the venue for Expo 2023 Doha.

Doha’s iconic park overlooks the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. It is strategically located close to the historic part of the city, including the famous market Souq Waqif, Msheireb area that blends tradition with modernity, as well as the Museum of Islamic Art and the Harbour for Qatar’s traditional boats – dhows.

5. Expo 2023 Doha will offer concerts, entertainment, and culinary delights. Beyond being a large-scale horticulture and sustainability-focused event and a platform for highlevel cooperation in the sector, Expo 2023 Doha will also become a vibrant cultural and entertainment destination for all. Hosting concerts, performances, public talks and many F&B venues, Expo 2023 Doha will have amazing horticultural displays and will offer something for every visitor, from sustainability experts to families, kids, and foodies.

I settori / Key sectors:

Florovivaismo / Horticulture

Verde Urbano / Landscape

Tecnologie / Technologies

Innovazione / Innovation

THE BIGGEST EVENT FOR THE EUROPEAN GARDEN PLANT RETAIL PLENTY OF INSPIRATION

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