The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) members consist of thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants around the world who are together united by one essential goal – promoting the place of plants in people’s lives.
AIPH hosts several conferences, webinars and events such as the International Grower of the Year award throughout the year. Read about these along with the latest news about the association’s activities.
AIPH’s key aim is to stimulate demand for ornamental trees, plants and flowers worldwide. We are committed to supporting growers in achieving this by protecting and promoting the interests of the industry.
17 September 2023 - 21 September 2023 , Suncheon, Republic of Korea
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 75th Annual Congress in Suncheon, Korea!
About the 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo
Running from April-October 2023, the 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo builds on the legacy of its 2013 counterpart – the first eco-friendly Korean Expo showcasing beautifully landscaped gardens from all over the World. Since then, the National Garden has become an attractive destination for many tourists. Building on that success, the 2023 Expo aims to connect the National Garden to the City Centre, bringing its citizens closer to nature, with the theme: We Live In The Garden.
Suncheon-Si
Suncheon-Si is the largest city in the South Jeolla Province of the Republic of Korea. It is known for Suncheon Bay, a coastal wetland which contains the world’s fifth biggest tideland. The Suncheon Bay Wetland Conservation Project was a finalist in the AIPH World Green City Awards 2022.
Suncheon Bay is also home to the Suncheon Bay National Garden, which was formerly the site of the 2013 Suncheonman International Garden Expo. This was the first National Garden in the Republic of Korea. Around 860,000 trees and 650,000 flowers are planted in the garden.
Things to do in the local area
Songgwangsa – one of the Three Jewel Temples of Korea, Songgwangsa translates to ‘Spreading Pine Temple’
Seonamsa – a Buddhist temple located within the Jogyesan Provincial Park, at the foot of Mount Jogye
Naganeupseong Folk Village – a historic walled town, including a fortress built in 1397
Munhwauigeori – ‘cultural street’ – a small street with traditional tea shops, cafes, restaurants and handicraft shops
Suncheon Castle – also known as Suncheon Waeseong, is a Japanese castle built during the second invasion of Korea in 1597
09:00 – Expo Conference
Progress reports from upcoming AIPH-Approved Expos, including:
A1 World Horticultural Expos
Expo 2023 Doha Qatar
World Horticultural Exhibition 2027 Yokohama (Japan)
B International Horticultural Expos
Expo 2023 Kahramanmaras (Türkiye)
Suncheon International Garden Expo 2023 (South Korea)
International Horticultural Exhibition Chengdu 2024 (China)
Expo 2026 Udon Thani (Thailand)
Expo 2026 Izmir (Türkiye)
Expo 2028 Malatya (Türkiye)
Applications
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand
Minnesota, USA
Ulsan, Republic of Korea
Chungchungnamdo, Republic of Korea
14:30 – Tour of 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo
Transport to the Expo site at 14:00
The 2023 Suncheonman International Garden Expo Park site covers an area of 1,930,000 m² (193 hectares). It includes three locations: the Suncheon Bay Wetlands, Suncheon Bay National Garden and downtown Suncheon including the Pungdeok-dong and Ocheon-dong areas of the city.
The AIPH Horticultural Industry Conference took place on 19th September 2023 in Suncheon, Republic of Korea, as part of the 75th AIPH Annual Congress.
The Conference was divided into two parts. The first welcomed local experts to present on the state of the industry in the republic of Korea. In the second part of the conference, industry professionals from Europe introduced new environmental footprinting tools and standards and discussed the subject of sustainable growing media.
Watch the conference on-demand
Presentations
Ornamental Horticulture in South Korea
Welcome from the Korean Rural Economic Institute – Dr. Park Kihwan
State of the market and business developments in Korea – Association perspective – Mr. Lim Yuktaek, President of KFA (Korea Florist Association) and KOFLAS (Korea Federation of Flower-Related Associations)
Challenges and opportunities for growers in Korea – Mr. Song Junho, Chief of Agriculture Cooperation Youngho
Trading opportunities – Embassy of the Netherlands
Environmental Footprinting in Ornamental Horticulture
FloriPEFCR – introduction to the new EU Environmental Footprinting Standard for Ornamental Horticulture – Mr. Albert Haasnoot, Royal FloraHolland, the Netherlands
Footprinting tools for growers – Mr. Arthij van der Veer, MPS, the Netherlands
Sustainable Growing Media
Growing Media – the pressure for reducing peat and how growers are responding – Mr. Martin Brijs, Palmstead Nurseries/HTA, UK
Sustainability – Members Panel
Developments in sustainability, including footprinting and growing media, – issues for growers and actions taken
Speakers
Dr. Park Kihwan
Dr. Park Kihwan holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and serves as a Research Director at the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) within the Department of Agroindustry Innovation Research Team. Since 1996, he has held a role as a Senior Researcher at the KREI, also contributing as a specialist in various government bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Dr. Park’s expertise encompasses diverse sectors, notably horticulture, seeds, kimchi, and the food service industry. His recent publication as a lead researcher outlines a comprehensive long-term development strategy for the horticulture industry.
Mr. Lim Yuktaek
Mr. Lim, in 1973 in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do, began his journey in lily cultivation. In 1982, he delved into tissue culture research at a Japanese laboratory. Eventually, he joined Shin Nong Sa Co., a floral material production and distribution company, as a farm manager in 1985.
Later, in 2016, he served as the head of the Gyeonggi branch of the Korea Flower Association, he then became the president of the Korea Flower Association in March 2023. Currently, he holds the positions of both the president of the Korea Flower Association and the chairman of the Korea Flower Industry Alliance.
Mr. Song Junho
Song Junho is a 28-year-old co-operator of his parents’ agricultural corporation, Yongho, specializing in landscaping plant production and distribution. Holding a degree in Horticultural Biotechnology, he’s focused on enhancing the local nursery market through virus-free plant production. He’s an active member of local horticultural associations and has recently established a tissue culture facility for large-scale production.
Mr. Albert Haasnoot
Albert Haasnoot grew up in a flower export company and started his career, after finishing university, at Royal FloraHolland in 1994. In previous positions he was responsible for the direct sales department in Rijnsburg and the auction department of flowers and plants in Rijnsburg and Aalsmeer. In recent years he has worked on sector programs at the intersection of sustainability and innovation and has been allowed to represent the floricultural sector in a number of boards. For example, he is a boardmember of the Dutch Green City Foundation, Dutch Foundation for Innovation in Greenhouse Horticulture and vice-chairman of Greenhouse Horticulture ‘Club of 100’ of Wageningen University and Research. Albert is also the lead commissioner of the PEFCR Cut Flowers and Potted Plants. With this project, we aim to achieve harmonised rules for calculating the environmental footprint of potted plants and cut flowers in the framework of the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint. Privately, Albert also works in the family’s arable farm.
Mr. Martin Brijs
Martin is the Head of Nursery Operations at Palmstead Nurseries in Kent, UK. He oversees propagation, production, pick & pack, and maintenance.
Martin is also a vice-chair on the HTA’s Ornamental Managers Committee as well as an AIPH board member, representing Region 1 (including the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden).
09:00 – Green City Conference
Involvement of the Ornamental Horticulture Industry in Green City programmes and projects.
This AIPH Green City conference will present the many ways that the industry contributes to projects and programmes that use the power of plants to create healthy, liveable, and resilient green cities. AIPH members and industry practitioners will present insights into where and how the industry has influence, and what this means for the long term relevance of growers and grower organisations.
Welcome by Mr. Bill Hardy, AIPH Green City Committee Chair
Insights on the design of Gwanghwamun Square and its success in demonstrating green city principles within a cultural context, Mr. Jo Yongjun, Landscape Architect
Blooming Legacy: The Impact of Garden Expositions on Suncheon’s Green Transformation, Ms. Diane Lee, AIPH
Green Frontiers Fund: representation of the Australian industry in strategic, longer-term research – Mr. Glenn Fenton, Greenlife Industry Australia
The Green City Foundation – why and how CNLA is involved in city greening, Mr. Bill Hardy, CNLA
New case studies demonstrate the role of the ornamental horticulture industry in city greening, Dr. Audrey Timm, AIPH Technical Advisor
14:30 – Green City Tours
Tours of key Green City sites in the local area.
Dinner
Speakers
Mr Bill Hardy
Bill has had many roles and responsibilities within the horticulture industry over the years and has always had an avid involvement in industry professional development, education, and certification.
Bill is active with several industry associations including: the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association – Communication Director and 2nd Vice President; HortEducationBC – Founding Director and current Business Manager; Canadian Garden Council – Founding Director and CNLA Representative; International Association of Horticulture Producers – Chair Green City Committee; and the Green Cities Foundation – Director at Large
Mr. Jo Youngjun Over the last two decades, Mr. Jo Youngjun has been engaged in various landscape architecture projects in major cities worldwide, with ‘The Gwanghwamun Square’ standing as one of his notable accomplishments. Drawing from his diverse background, Youngjun passionately advocates for the active role of landscape architecture in addressing complex urban issues. His interests span from the aesthetics of public spaces to encompassing ecology, society, economy, environment, and race, seeking innovative approaches through collaborative efforts to effectively resolve urban challenges.
Ms. Diane Lee
Since 2016, Diane has been actively engaged with the AIPH exposition as a member of the Korean AIPH chapter. She played a significant role in the successful hosting of the 2023 AIPH exposition in Suncheon. With an academic background in Landscape Architecture, Diane underscores the importance of establishing sustainable urban environments for a greener future. She is particularly intrigued by the ways horticultural expos align with this belief.
Mr. Albert Haasnoot
Albert Haasnoot grew up in a flower export company and started his career, after finishing university, at Royal FloraHolland in 1994. In previous positions he was responsible for the direct sales department in Rijnsburg and the auction department of flowers and plants in Rijnsburg and Aalsmeer. In recent years he has worked on sector programs at the intersection of sustainability and innovation and has been allowed to represent the floricultural sector in a number of boards. For example, he is a boardmember of the Dutch Green City Foundation, Dutch Foundation for Innovation in Greenhouse Horticulture and vice-chairman of Greenhouse Horticulture ‘Club of 100’ of Wageningen University and Research. Albert is also the lead commissioner of the PEFCR Cut Flowers and Potted Plants. With this project, we aim to achieve harmonised rules for calculating the environmental footprint of potted plants and cut flowers in the framework of the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint. Privately, Albert also works in the family’s arable farm.
Mr. Glenn Fenton
Glenn Fenton. Managing Director of Nationwide Trees, a leading supplier of tree seedlings and rootstocks to the nursery and orchard industry in Australia. Chair, Greenlife Industry Australia. Member of the Expert Advisory Panel, Green Cities Fund, Horticulture Innovation Australia, Former Chair of The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
As a retired Australian Army Officer, Glenn has developed a passion for the Australian horticulture industry and the development of Green Cities by “never giving up”, when it comes to bureaucracy.
Dr. Audrey Timm
Dr Audrey Timm is a horticultural scientist specialised in ornamental horticulture. Spanning many aspects of horticulture, Audrey’s career has covered academic research in South Africa, industry support, training and on-farm research and development in Australia, and promoting the connection between design and ecology in urban landscapes with the University of Sheffield in the UK. Since joining AIPH as Technical Advisor in early 2019, Audrey leads their Green City initiative with the purpose of increasing the quality and quantity of living green in urban environments, and nurturing a strategic shift in city form and function. Audrey also manages AIPH’s programmes in Plant Health, Sustainability, and Novelty Protection. Through knowledge exchange, advocacy, and networking, Audrey supports AIPH’s position as the world’s champion for the power of plants.
Local Tours
Seonamsa
A Buddhist temple located within the Jogyesan Provincial Park, at the foot of Mount Jogye. The temple was built in 861 and played a fundamental role in the development of Seon Buddism.
Among the treasures of the temple are the Seungseon Bridge considered one of the most beautiful old stone bridges in Korea, and the Samindang pond, which translates to ‘the pond of three marks’ and dates back to 862.
Seonamsa also has a wild tea field covering 7 square miles. Some of the plants are 300-400 years old. Leaves are harvested by monks in spring.
Naganeupseong
A historic walled town built in 1397 by general Kim Bin-gil. It served a significant administrative role during the Joseon Dynasty. The fortress and many administrative buildings are well-preserved, as well as some private houses in the hanok style (straw roofs, clay rooms, and verandas). In total, 231 houses are maintained in their original condition and are valuable resources for academic research.
Due to the well-preserved condition of the buildings, the village has been used as a location for filming period dramas. Around 100 households are still occupied today.
Suncheon Bay Wetlands
Suncheon Bay is a coastal wetland featuring fields of reeds and a salt swamp. It is the first Korean wetland to be registered on the list of Ramsar Wetlands due to the migratory birds and other animals that utilise the habitat. Of the 239 species of bird found in the bay, 33 are rare or endangered.
The Suncheonman Bay Conservation Project was a finalist in the AIPH World Green City Awards 2022. The project provided an opportunity to newly recognise the value of reed fields and tidal flats, leading Suncheonman Bay to become a representative ecological resource in Suncheon. As a result, Suncheonman Bay’s ecology has evolved into a world-class ecological tourist destination beyond Korea.
Biblo Event has been planning innovative, creative and perfect events with enthusiasm since 2013.
With our experienced and competent team, we carry out the solid works of big days with confidence.
Royal FloraHolland is a cooperative of growers and we have brought together growers and buyers for over 100 years. We strive for sustainable success for our members by working together with all parties in the floriculture industry, so that the industry continues to grow. We believe that we are smarter and better together, and can do more at less cost than if we each operate on our own. Together, we are becoming increasingly efficient and sustainable and are working towards a future-proof floriculture industry.
Royal FloraHolland’s mission is ‘Growing opportunities together’, we connect parties in the floriculture industry and create opportunities for sustainable growth and success on the global market.
MPS is committed to making the global horticultural sector more sustainable. They do this by making the sustainability efforts of horticultural entrepreneurs transparent and measurable. To achieve this, they develop and manage (online) tools and certificates.
AGES is a non-for-profit-making organisation based in Switzerland which has been formed to become the label for quality and reliability for temporary infrastructure works for major events.
The members are market leaders of the international event suppliers industry and front runners in the development of new products and services.
AGES wants to address the capabilities of the industry to governmental bodies, key stakeholders and organisers of large sports events and to develop together suitable standards and procedures to facilitate interaction and to obtain cost-effective infrastructure solutions for future events.
The International Garden Tourism Conference supports gardens around the world in sharing experiences and best practices in Destination Development and Destination Promotion. Speakers and delegates from the world’s renowned gardens, tourism boards, (online) travel industry and (social) media from 1-4 November in Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, home to many of Canada’s most popular and beautiful gardens.
This conference is relevant to the management (director, marketing, horticulture, exhibitions) of any garden, festival or horticultural expo that wishes to expand and broaden visitation and create impactful guest experiences. It is encouraged to team up with regional or national destination promotion agencies and (online) travel operators to attend the conference together in order to develop new insights and opportunities to drive visitation to your place and region.
Website: www.gardentourism.org
FloraCulture International (FCI), your gateway to global ornamental horticulture is the only international trade magazine in the worldwide ornamental sector. FCI shares knowledge, inspires, and strengthens the special and necessary cooperation within the ornamental sector by bringing people, markets and cultures together in the themes and articles.
Host City is the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events. It connects cities, rights holders, organising committees and other stakeholders in their quest for best practice in hosting major events. As a conference, exhibition, magazine and website, Host City brings together the international community of international sports, business and cultural events.
Whether you represent a city, a rights holder, organiser or other stakeholders, Host City presents opportunities to get involved in staging upcoming major events. Speakers of the very highest level discuss hosting in the new normal, environmental and social governance, digital transformation and international collaboration. VIP keynotes, panels, Q&A, presentations and interactive workshops will run alongside structured networking and exhibition activities.
Guiaverde is a specialist media for the horticultural sector in Spain and Portugal. Professional Web Portal and Printed Directory about Companies, Products and Services from the Horticulture, Gardening and Associated Markets.
Dr. Park Kihwan holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and serves as a Research Director at the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI) within the Department of Agroindustry Innovation Research Team. Since 1996, he has held a role as a Senior Researcher at the KREI, also contributing as a specialist in various government bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Dr. Park’s expertise encompasses diverse sectors, notably horticulture, seeds, kimchi, and the food service industry. His recent publication as a lead researcher outlines a comprehensive long-term development strategy for the horticulture industry.
Mr. Lim, in 1973 in Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do, began his journey in lily cultivation. In 1982, he delved into tissue culture research at a Japanese laboratory. Eventually, he joined Shin Nong Sa Co., a floral material production and distribution company, as a farm manager in 1985.
Song Junho is a 28-year-old co-operator of his parents’ agricultural corporation, Yongho, specializing in landscaping plant production and distribution. Holding a degree in Horticultural Biotechnology, he’s focused on enhancing the local nursery market through virus-free plant production. He’s an active member of local horticultural associations and has recently established a tissue culture facility for large-scale production.
Albert Haasnoot grew up in a flower export company and started his career, after finishing university, at Royal FloraHolland in 1994. In previous positions he was responsible for the direct sales department in Rijnsburg and the auction department of flowers and plants in Rijnsburg and Aalsmeer. In recent years he has worked on sector programs at the intersection of sustainability and innovation and has been allowed to represent the floricultural sector in a number of boards. For example, he is a boardmember of the Dutch Green City Foundation, Dutch Foundation for Innovation in Greenhouse Horticulture and vice-chairman of Greenhouse Horticulture ‘Club of 100’ of Wageningen University and Research. Albert is also the lead commissioner of the PEFCR Cut Flowers and Potted Plants. With this project, we aim to achieve harmonised rules for calculating the environmental footprint of potted plants and cut flowers in the framework of the European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint. Privately, Albert also works in the family’s arable farm.
Martin is the Head of Nursery Operations at Palmstead Nurseries in Kent, UK. He oversees propagation, production, pick & pack, and maintenance.
Bill has had many roles and responsibilities within the horticulture industry over the years and has always had an avid involvement in industry professional development, education, and certification.
Over the last two decades, Mr. Jo Youngjun has been engaged in various landscape architecture projects in major cities worldwide, with ‘The Gwanghwamun Square’ standing as one of his notable accomplishments. Drawing from his diverse background, Youngjun passionately advocates for the active role of landscape architecture in addressing complex urban issues. His interests span from the aesthetics of public spaces to encompassing ecology, society, economy, environment, and race, seeking innovative approaches through collaborative efforts to effectively resolve urban challenges.
Since 2016, Diane has been actively engaged with the AIPH exposition as a member of the Korean AIPH chapter. She played a significant role in the successful hosting of the 2023 AIPH exposition in Suncheon. With an academic background in Landscape Architecture, Diane underscores the importance of establishing sustainable urban environments for a greener future. She is particularly intrigued by the ways horticultural expos align with this belief.
Glenn Fenton. Managing Director of Nationwide Trees, a leading supplier of tree seedlings and rootstocks to the nursery and orchard industry in Australia. Chair, Greenlife Industry Australia. Member of the Expert Advisory Panel, Green Cities Fund, Horticulture Innovation Australia, Former Chair of The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Dr Audrey Timm is a horticultural scientist specialised in ornamental horticulture. Spanning many aspects of horticulture, Audrey’s career has covered academic research in South Africa, industry support, training and on-farm research and development in Australia, and promoting the connection between design and ecology in urban landscapes with the University of Sheffield in the UK. Since joining AIPH as Technical Advisor in early 2019, Audrey leads their Green City initiative with the purpose of increasing the quality and quantity of living green in urban environments, and nurturing a strategic shift in city form and function. Audrey also manages AIPH’s programmes in Plant Health, Sustainability, and Novelty Protection. Through knowledge exchange, advocacy, and networking, Audrey supports AIPH’s position as the world’s champion for the power of plants.
