Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer on the horizon—it’s at the door. In response to growing global interest, AIPH hosted its first dedicated member webinar on 14 May 2025, exploring the practical applications of AI in ornamental horticulture. The session attracted participants from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, marking an important milestone in AIPH’s mission to equip growers with forward-looking tools and insights.
Presented by Rob Miller, CEO of the Global Artificial Intelligence Leaders Network (GAiL), the session tackled AI in a way that felt immediate, practical, and surprisingly personal. One participant captured the mood perfectly: “AI is my best friend… my personal secretary… and the booster of my day.”
Curiosity Over Caution
While some growers have already begun using AI tools, such as content generators for marketing, others are still exploring what these tools might mean for their businesses. Miller encouraged participants to begin not with mastery but with curiosity. The technology is evolving rapidly, and waiting for the perfect time may mean falling behind. Instead, he recommended taking small, manageable steps and embracing a playful, experimental mindset.
Throughout the session, real-world examples highlighted how AI is already reducing administration time, improving multilingual communication, supporting internal training, and helping monitor plant health via sensors and imagery. Delegates asked questions, shared their early experiences, and reflected on how these tools might apply to their local production environments, whether they were running a family nursery or overseeing a large-scale facility.
The Shift from Users to Builders
As familiarity grows, so too does the potential to tailor AI more precisely to horticultural needs. Miller introduced the concept of moving beyond basic use cases to more strategic implementations, such as predictive models that track climate data, optimise inputs, forecast logistics delays, or simulate traits like plant disease resistance. While not every business will take this step immediately, he noted, those who begin now with simple applications will be better positioned to adopt or even co-create more advanced systems in the future. “It’s a journey,” he said. “And it starts with small, confident steps.”
AIPH: Championing Digital Learning in Horticulture
For AIPH, the webinar was more than a standalone event for our Members; it marked the beginning of a longer conversation. As the global champion for ornamental horticulture, AIPH is committed to helping members stay ahead of major industry shifts, share learning across borders, and grow with confidence.
The session also reaffirmed the importance of peer-to-peer knowledge. From curiosity to implementation, the road to AI-readiness is not linear, and each business will have its own pace. But AIPH can provide the platform, offering shared tools, case studies, and continued opportunities to learn together.
Join the Conversation in Gent, Belgium
The momentum continues this September as AIPH hosts its 77th Annual Congress in Ghent, Belgium. Among the many topics explored, the Industry Conference will feature a dedicated afternoon session on AI and technology in the horticulture industry.
The session promises to move the conversation forward—from high-level trends to hands-on experiences. Whether attendees are cautiously curious or already testing tools, the Congress will offer a space to exchange ideas, deepen understanding, and explore the role of AI in building more resilient and future-ready horticultural businesses.
AIPH is here to support your journey—connecting growers to innovation and ideas to action.
