Online marketplace for outdoor greenery welcomes new board member

Author: Ron van der Ploeg

BOSKOOP, Netherlands: AIPH President Bernard Oosterom has joined Varb’s board of advisors. The not-for-profit foundation Varb is creating an online marketplace for trees, shrubs and outdoor plants for the amenity market. Oosterom, a former potted plant grower, chairman of Royal FloraHolland and current president of AIPH (the International Association of Horticultural Producers), succeeds Jeroen den Hengst who lead Varb for more than 12 years.

As Chairman of Royal FloraHolland Oosterom has played a pivotal role in transforming the physical marketplace into a marketspace.

Varb Chairman Rens van Nierop is delighted to have Oosterom on board. “He brings a wealth of experience in management and strategic development and knows the horticultural sector inside and out.”

Oosterom comments on the importance of his new position: “Green space is the key to future city living. Consumers and public authorities are becoming more and more aware that urban green space can have environmental benefits and contributes to mental well-being. As such, an accessible online marketplace that brings together the entire product offering a central marketplace is of vital importance as it will simplify all procurement and sales systems while promoting international sales.”