I am pleased to have been invited to write this column and I hope that through this, and future editions, I can share with you about the work of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) of which I have been President since 2015.
For those who don’t know AIPH, the association was formed in 1948 in Switzerland and now operates under a Secretariat based in the UK. The members are grower associations and organisations that represent the interests of ornamental horticulture growers. We have 30 full members (grower associations) in 25 different countries representing many thousands of growers worldwide as well as well-known industry supply companies as Affiliate Members.
Members meet twice a year in different countries and our mission is to be ‘the world’s champion for the power of plants’. Our work covers many areas including Green City, International Horticultural Exhibitions, Novelty Protection, Environmental issues, Plant Health and Statistics. You can learn all about AIPH and its members at www.aiph.org.
One important project that we are currently working on is our ‘International Vision’ project. It is clear that the dynamics of the global ornamental horticulture industry have been changing and will continue to do so. The traditional production and market centres that grew so strongly at the end of the last century, for example in Europe and North America, have now slowed considerably as other countries, with greater economic growth, have come to the fore.
Countries like China, Brazil, India and Mexico have grown their economies and so their horticulture markets and production industries have grown too. Our project is conducting a detailed analysis of where we expect to see future growth, both in terms of production and market opportunities. We will improve our statistical and market knowledge and enable the industry to develop a clear strategy for the future. I look forward to keeping you updated with developments.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to join us to celebrate the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner taking place in Essen, Germany on 24 January 2017. The event takes place during IPM Essen and you can get your tickets at www.aiph.org/groweroftheyear. It will be a great evening of celebration and entertainment so I hope you can join us.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a merry Christmas and a very happy new year.
Bernard Oosterom,President of AIPH
