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.
The global horticulture community of AIPH meet in Doha, Qatar
The International Association of Horticultural Producers – AIPH Spring Meeting 2024, held in Qatar between 3 and 7 March alongside Expo 2023 Doha, brought together more than 150 delegates from 27 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the United States, and the Middle East.
It took place in Al Bidda Park, where all attendees had the opportunity to network with AIPH Members, industry leaders, Expo organisers, and academics. The AIPH Spring Meeting served as a platform for sharing ideas and exploring new collaborations.
The Spring Meeting programme lasted a week, including updates from the Expo Organisers at the International Horticultural Expo Conference. There were also discussions on initiatives for arid environments at the Green City Conference. At the Industry Conference, AIPH Members delivered presentations on the ornamental horticultural challenges and opportunities within their respective countries. Here are the highlights.
CANADA
Jamie Aalbers, a specialist for the grower sector of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), discussed the pest-free trade of nursery stock. Specifically, he talked about how CNLA developed a plant certification program for the boxtree moth. This program was accepted in May 2023 and is now administered, audited, and verified by the Canadian Nursery Certification Institute.
During his talk, Albertson shared about the challenges and successes that CNLA faced in developing a national pest control program for this invasive pest that first arrived on Canadian shores in 2018, and affects a good proportion of its Members’ livelihoods.
CHINA
Haiyan Kong, director at the China Flower Association.
Haiyan Kong, who is a Director at the China Flower Association (CFA) and an AIPH Board Member, presented the CFA’s Annual Production and Sales Analysis of Ornamental Plants. A yearly publication that provides valuable information to its members, including growers, traders, research institutes, professors, and legislators involved in the horticultural industry.
Kong explained how the project came into being due to a change in national legislation in 2013, leading to a significant shift in consumer behaviour, making it crucial for data to be available for production decision-makers. For the past ten years, the CFA has organised this annual project, which the National Forestry and Grassland Administration has funded.
The project starts with a survey about sales, quantity, and major ornamental products sent to its members, which include provincial flower associations, major production regions, flower markets, and production and trading companies. Afterwards, a conference is organised for further analysis and discussions about trends, and experts are asked to provide further data analysis and advice.
The CFA’s Annual Analysis on Production and Sales of Ornamental Plants includes sections dedicated to pot plants, cut flowers, nursery stocks, retail, logistics and markets. It also includes a review of the current situation and how it compares to previous years, and then analysis and prediction for the forthcoming year.
The CFA not only creates this publication but also organises horticultural Expos and major international trade events, including the annual Hortiflora Expo and the China Flower Expo. Currently, they are organising the International Horticultural Expo 2024 Chengdu, which opened on Friday, 26 April.
CHINESE TAIPEI
Betty Huang, General Manager of TFDA – Taiwan Flower Export Association.
Betty Huang, who has been the General Manager of TFDA since 2022, talked about the upcoming Flora Variety Promotion Show that will take place in November. This will be the fourth edition of the three-day event, which brings together industry professionals such as breeders and seedling dealers to showcase new varieties, create business opportunities and impress consumers.
ITALY
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio, representing AIPH member ANVE- – Associazione Nazionale Vivaisti Esportatori.
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio, representing AIPH member ANVE, spoke about the importance of innovation in water management for the Italian ornamental production industry. Over the past ten years (2010-2020), rainfall in Italy has decreased by an average of 15 per cent, with droughts lasting more than six months in a year.
Capitanio, a nurseryman in Puglia, a region in southern Italy, informed the audience that the average rainfall here has decreased by 30 per cent. He added, “In an area the size of the Netherlands, we only have one river.”
From researchers to nurserymen, Capitanio discussed how scientists have been working on various irrigation management techniques that cater to the environmental needs of different regions in the country. These techniques include the use of sensors, data, and software.
Capitanio explained that nurserymen are practically optimising rainwater harvesting from the greenhouse roof and directing it to the cultivation floor using a drop system. They also use a closed-cycle irrigation system that includes capillary mats, which save at least 20 to 30 per cent of the water. Additionally, they use mulch made of recycled wood shavings to minimise evaporation from pots.
NETHERLANDS
;Jack Goossens, an AIPH Board Member, representing AIPH Member VBN — Vereniging van Bloemenveilingen.
The Netherlands is internationally renowned for its floriculture industry, but some social influencers, including some political figures, are criticising the ornamental horticulture sector. Jack Goossens, an AIPH Board Member, shared his perspective on the challenges faced by the industry in his country. He began his talk by quoting Frans Timmermans, a former Executive Vice President of the European Commission for the European Green Deal, who is against the industry for being “socially and ecologically burdensome” in the Netherlands.
However, Goossens, who represents AIPH Member VBN — Vereniging van Bloemenveilingen, says the Flower Council of Holland is ready to take on this challenge and represent and support growers and traders. The association plans to change its marketing communication strategy by shifting its focus from consumer promotions to supporting the industry. It is planning to accentuate more how the cultivation of flowers and plants is important for the environment and society’s well-being.
SOUTH KOREA
Professor KiByung Lim of the Korea Flower Cultivate Association.
Professor KiByung Lim of the Korea Flower Cultivate Association gave an interesting talk about legislation that is helping to promote the ornamental horticulture sector. Lim spoke about the 2021 Act On The Creation And Furtherance Of Arboretums And Gardens, how it came about due to the rapid urbanisation of South Korea, and the need to ensure there are green spaces for its citizens’ well-being and the environment.
THAILAND
Dr Soontorn Pipithsangchan from the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand.
Dr Soontorn Pipithsangchan from the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand delivered an impressive technical presentation on the management of production operations and the decision-making process. He highlighted the usage of modern data-sourcing techniques from weather reports such as sun, rain, and humidity, which are precisely utilised alongside traditional horticultural methods.
TÜRKIYE
Gülşen Bay, Chief of the Turkish Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters Association.
Gülşen Bay, Chief of the Turkish Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters Association, provided a positive outlook on the organization. She presented a project named “Global Trends and New Markets in the Ornamental Plants Industry” that aimed to enhance Turkey’s position among the world’s exporters by increasing sectoral exports and enabling businesses to access new markets. The project spanned three years, from 2018 to 2021, and involved 40 producer companies. Its objective was to boost Turkey’s share among global exporters, accomplished through improved product quality, increased exports, and access to new export markets.
