International Grower of the Year Awards

International Grower of the Year logo

The International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards were launched by AIPH and FCI in 2009. The awards recognise best practice in horticultural production by ornamental production nurseries around the globe.

Not only do the awards champion outstanding achievement in the sector, they offer a unique opportunity to benefit from international networking across ornamentals horticulture industry. Growers, horticultural businesses and industry peers can all get involved by either entering the competition, sponsoring the event or attending the reception and awards ceremony.

Entries to the 2026 Awards are now open and growers are invited to make their submissions before 6th July 2025.

“It’s a big challenge to step into these shoes and keep improving every day, but we’ve done our homework. It’s a pleasure to be in this industry, it’s fun every day, and you can never grow tired of nature.”

Camilo Bleier, La Gaitana Farms, Colombia – International Grower of the Year 2025

Sponsors and Partners

Awards Categories

The awards comprise four categories. Entrants can submit their company into multiple categories.

  • Finished Plants and Trees: Growers of plants and trees that are ready for final sale.
  • Young Plants: Growers of cuttings, plugs, liners, seedlings, etc, which are sold for growing on.
  • Cut Flowers and Bulbs: Producers of flowers and foliage which are cut for indoor decorative use and bulbs.
  • Sustainability: All award entrants will be invited to put their business forward for the AIPH Sustainability Award. The award will recognise best practice and innovation in improving sustainability in areas including water use, chemical use, climate change, energy use, transportation, labour management and social standards.
  • Gold Rose: From among ‘Finished Plants & Trees’, ‘Young Plants’, and ‘Cut Flowers & Bulbs’ categories, only one winner will be crowned the ‘AIPH International Grower of the Year 2026’ and receive the ‘Gold Rose’ – the industry’s most coveted prize.

Previous Gold Rose Winners

2024: Greenwood Plants, UK
2023: Brookdale Treeland Nurseries Ltd, Canada
2022: Metrolina Greenhouses, USA
2020: Anthura BV, The Netherlands
2019: Gediflora, Belgium
2018: Ter Laak Orchids, Netherlands
2017: Flores El Capiro S.A., Colombia
2016: Costa Farms, USA
2014: Schoneveld Nurseries, Netherlands
2013: Sheridan Nurseries, Canada
2012: Sheridan Nurseries, Canada
2011: Bylands, Canada
2010: Hillier Nurseries, UK
2009: Sylva van Hulle, Belgium

How to Enter

Growers register a profile on the entry submission portal and complete the online entry form, in English, which consists of a series of questions in line with the judging criteria and may be complemented by supporting evidence such as images and videos. More details.

Enter IGOTY 2026

Key Dates

  • 6th July 2025: Deadline to submit an entry. Late submissions require special permission
  • September 2025: Additional information may be requested by the jury
  • End of September 2025: Final judging takes place
  • October 2025: Announcement of finalists
  • November 2025: Announcement of the date and venue for Reception and Awards ceremony
  • 12th January 2026: Ticket bookings close

Young International Grower of the Year

The Young International Grower of the Year (YIGOTY) Award celebrates young entrepreneurial professionals between the ages of 25 up to 40 years old that are participating in the Pro Manager Mastercourse organised by Jungle Talks.

The Pro Manager Mastercourse is a fortnight programme that includes educational farm tours, meetings and inspirational sessions from lead strategic partners. This programme gives participants ample opportunity to network with horticultural leaders at the CEO level. In addition, participants can develop their vision on the future of horticulture and the role of their own company.

Through this partnership, the participants of the Mastercourse have the chance to pitch their business ideas to the YIGOTY jury at the International Grower of the Year event. Of the three Finalists selected, one will be named Young International Grower of the Year. More about YIGOTY.

“It’s a symbol of hard work, teamwork, and passionate work. This award will inspire the company and the team, it will let them know that everything is possible.”

David Marin, Colombia – Young International Grower of the Year 2025

 

Latest News

Enter the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2026

Entries are open for the International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2026, organised by the International Association of Horticultural…

La Gaitana Farms: A Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Innovation

Forty years ago, La Gaitana Farms began as a small venture with big dreams. The challenges were plenty—limited water supply,…

Plant Select: Redefining Young Plants with Innovation and Sustainability

In Belgium’s horticultural heartland, Plant Select NV has quietly built a name as one of the world's most innovative young…