Sustainable flower and plant production gain traction in Italy

Author: Ron van der Ploeg

ROME, Italy: Defining moments for Italy’s ornamental plant and flower producers’ certification scheme VivaiFiori as it announces new President and Vice President as well as the establishment of a new secretariat and technical committee.

VivaiFiori is the Italian ornamental plant and flower producers’certification scheme. Formed five years ago, with the world expo Milan Expo 2015 hosting its launch event, the programme aims to raise the standards in ornamental horticulture in Italy. The VivaiFiori eco label seeks to reduce the grower’s impact on the environment and manage resources sustainably. Wholly owned by the growers, the scheme was developed and implemented with the support of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the farmers’ research centre ISMEA.

VivaiFiori recently announced the results of its election of board members. The newly elected members include President Marco Cappellini (who also chairs the Italy’s National Association of Nursery Stock Exporters ANVE), Vice-Presidents Vito Giambò (Milazzoflora) and Paolo Vettoretto (Florveneto), and board members Roberto Magni (Distritto Altolombardo), Jean Mark Orecchioni (AICG), Cesare Cipolla (AIPV), Enrico Leva (Asproflor), Francesco Bet (Florasi’), and Renzo Bizioli (Fiori Tipici del Lago Maggiore).

Leading VivaiFiori’s secretariat are Edoardo Sciutti and Maurizia Castellari. At the same time, the newly created technical committee will provide members with clear professional guidance on national and international standards that are relevant to the horticultural businesses and offer access to industry experts to provide advice on technical matters.