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 is responsible for approving the world’s most exceptional horticultural expos creating long lasting green legacies in cities across the globe.
AIPH Blooming Economies & Cities to Inspire The World 2.0. Up-to-date statistics from recent Expos hosted in Asia and Europe.
Learn moreAIPH 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.
The AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards celebrate the best of the best in ornamental horticulture
Learn moreAIPH’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.
The AIPH’s Global Industry Intelligence Centre (GIIC) is an international hub for industry information and knowledge exchange.
The report contains insights on production and consumption of the floriculture industry in Thailand, imports and exports, and business opportunities
DownloadAIPH Green City activities promote the essential role of plants in creating vibrant urban areas in which people and businesses can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept reserved for tech firms or computer labs; it is increasingly part of everyday operations for horticultural businesses worldwide. For growers of ornamental plants and flowers, including those committed to organic and sustainable methods, AI is emerging as a practical, even personal, companion. As one grower candidly shared during a recent AIPH member-only webinar: “AI is my best friend… my personal secretary… and a booster for my day.”
That statement might sound surprising in an industry where hands-on knowledge and growing cycles shape the rhythm of business. Yet, it captures a quiet but important shift. Horticulture is entering an era where digital tools—particularly AI—are not only enhancing efficiency but also changing the way producers think, plan, and connect.
The AIPH webinar brought together a broad cross-section of global members. Many were beginning their AI journey. The message from presenter Rob Miller, CEO of the Global AI Leaders (GALE) Network, was simple: don’t wait to be an expert. Just start.
AI isn’t one thing—it’s an evolving ecosystem of technologies. For some, it’s a content assistant, drafting marketing copy or summarising crop reports. For others, it’s a decision-support system that helps monitor pest risk or track logistics. And for those taking their first steps, AI is best approached with curiosity, not caution.
From enhancing a favourite recipe to automating water project reporting, examples shared during the session made one thing clear: the most powerful AI use cases often start as playful experiments.
One of AI’s strengths is speed. The challenge? It’s also evolving so quickly that strategies drafted today may be outdated in six months. That’s why many businesses are beginning with small, low-risk applications that generate insight and confidence. Examples already in use include:
• Generating social media content or promotional materials
• Translating care guides and marketing in multiple languages
• Automating repetitive admin tasks such as documentation or scheduling
• Profiling customers and predicting seasonal demand
• Monitoring plant health using sensor or image data
In one striking case, Miller demonstrated how an organisation had reduced 18 days of monthly reporting to two hours by using an AI writing assistant, with a human editor performing the final checks.
As growers gain familiarity with AI, Miller says it’s time to ask a bigger question: When do we move from using AI tools to building them?
For now, most businesses remain in the consumer stage, relying on widely available platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, or image and video generators. However, in the longer term, AI’s greatest potential lies in custom applications, such as analysing weather and growth data to fine-tune inputs, forecasting transport delays, or even modelling genetic traits for disease resistance.
Moving into this ‘builder’ stage requires investment in data quality, technical skills, and clarity about the problems to be solved. “It’s a step-by-step journey—and not one that every grower will need or want to take immediately. But it’s coming,” states Miller.
Like any new tool, AI comes with quirks. Errors (known as hallucinations), formatting hiccups, and unpredictable outputs are common, especially in creative tasks. As Miller emphasised, AI today is “like a two- or three-year-old”: brilliant in places, unreliable in others, and always learning. That’s why having a human in the loop remains essential, particularly when it comes to data privacy, brand voice, and regulatory content. The key is to accept the imperfections and lean into experimentation. Play first. Apply later.
Industries like retail have spent two decades learning how to integrate digital technology, moving from single-channel to omnichannel business models. AI may accelerate that same transformation in just a few years.
The most advanced examples are already appearing. One international event organiser now runs its entire programme in six weeks, with just half its staff, thanks to the use of AI. Some membership organisations are piloting AI-powered member assistants to deliver tailored support and insights. A few are rethinking everything from sponsorship models to engagement.
While these cases remain exceptions, not the rule, they point to a future where AI isn’t just about doing things faster, but doing things differently.
AI may feel like it’s moving too fast to keep up. But that’s precisely why standing still is no longer an option. Whether you’re a small-family nursery or a large-scale producer, the most important thing you can do is to begin.
Try a tool. Ask a question. Test a workflow. As Miller put it to the webinar audience, “This is the start of a journey, just like the internet was in the 1990s. We don’t yet know what shape AI will take. But growers who are curious now will be the ones best positioned to shape what comes next.”
