77th AIPH Annual Congress to explore sustainability and use of technology in horticulture

The five-day event is organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in collaboration with Host Partner AVBS, AIPH’s member in Belgium, Headline Sponsor Biblo, and Gold Sponsors GLOBALG.A.P. & GGN Label and WeLodge. On 16th September, the AIPH Industry Conference will welcome key speakers from around the world to present on the Conference’s two topics: sustainability and technology. Within sustainability, the conference will look at developments in EU legislation, sustainable growing media, reducing use of chemicals and what the sector can do to become even more sustainable. Independent Sustainability Consultant, Mr. Daan de Vries, will open the conference and will be followed by speakers and panellists, including:

• Ms. Sylvie Mamias, Secretary General of Union Fleurs
• Ms. Cecilia Luetgebrune, Secretary General, Growing Media Europe
• Ms. Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs, Horticultural Trades Association, UK
• Mr. Clement Tulezi, CEO, Kenya Flower Council, Kenya
• Ms. Stefanie Miltenburg, Head of Public Affairs, Royal FloraHolland, Netherlands
• Mr. Jeroen Oudheusden, Executive Officer, Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI), Netherlands
• Ms. Yvonne Watzdorf, CEO, Flower Council, Netherlands

The second half of the Conference will explore leading technological and AI developments in horticulture and offer insights on how advancements in the sector are taking production to new levels of efficiency. Also included in the Congress programme is the International Horticultural Expo Conference, where organisers of forthcoming AIPH-approved Expos will share updates on their progress. This Conference will include developments from Green Expo 2027 Yokohama, Japan, and Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) 2029, Thailand. On the final two days of the Congress, delegates will be taken on tours of local nurseries to discover innovations in the Belgian industry.

Commenting on the Congress, AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe said “The 77th AIPH Annual Congress promises to be an essential event for anyone involved in the ornamental horticulture industry, offering a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration. It will provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, forge new partnerships, and contribute to the continued growth and sustainability of the sector. Please keep this date for your diary and join us in the beautiful city of Ghent.”

• For more information and to register your interest in attending, visit the AIPH website.