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AIPH and GreenTech join forces in virtual conference to debate the path to sustainability in ornamental horticulture

Sustainability is now a high priority, at Board level, for many businesses in the ornamental horticulture industry.  Not only is it critical for making a better world, but it is a core part of business decision making for many companies.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has partnered with GreenTech worldwide events, the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) and FloraCulture International (FCI) to create a virtual online international conference on ‘The path to sustainability in ornamental horticulture’ on 30 September 2021. Royal FloraHolland and PERA are Headline Sponsors.

Speakers, from around the world, will evaluate what the industry is doing to become more sustainable, how we can measure progress and what the future holds. Following a keynote presentation from Dr. David Bek of Coventry University, UK, the conference will discuss the role of certification and progress in key areas including plastics, growing media, people and marketing.  Other speakers and panellists confirmed so far include:

  • Jeroen Oudheusden – Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI)
  • Susannah Ball – Ball Horticulture, USA
  • Steve Harper – Growing Media Responsible Sourcing Scheme, UK
  • Melanie Dürr – Fairtrade International
  • Maarten Banki – Royal FloraHolland
  • Daan de Vries – MPS
  • Kiki Fernandes – Marginpar, Kenya
  • Dr Audrey Timm – AIPH
  • Elise Wieringa – Royal Lemkes, the Netherlands
  • Ximena Franco – Florverde Sustainable Flowers, Colombia
  • Sven Hoping – Pöppelmann, Germany
  • Cecilia Luetgebrune – Growing Media Europe
  • Nada van Schouwenburg – Women Win, the Netherlands
  • Prof Charlie Hall – Texas A&M University, USA
  • Leo Swart – Cresultant, the Netherlands

Commenting on the launch of the conference, AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe, said “The global ornamental horticulture industry makes such a positive contribution to the planet in so many ways but to create a truly sustainable supply chain we need to share initiatives and work together.  This conference provides the perfect platform for taking this forward.”

Director of GreenTech worldwide events, Mariska Dreschler said “We are delighted to be partnering with AIPH in offering this conference which tackles a key issue facing growers today.  The conference further strengthens the exciting programme we have developed for those attending the GreenTech Live & Online 2021 which runs from 28-30 September, in person or online. More information to be found on www.greentech.nl”

Executive Officer of FSI, Jeroen Oudheusden, added “FSI is committed to supporting the ornamentals industry in achieving its sustainability goals and this conference addresses the key issues that many in the industry are confronting.  Through working together like this we can create a sustainable future.”

Conference attendance will cost 20 GBP.  For more details and to register visit https://aiph.org/event/sustainability-conference-2021/.

Logos for AIPH, GreenTech, FSI and FCI - who are all partners for the AIPH Sustainability Conference 2021

Tim Briercliffe Secretary General United Kingdom sg@aiph.org