Growing the Future

Showcasing Excellence at Horticultural Expos

During the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference, delegates heard how upcoming AIPH-approved Expos are not only progressing in their planning but also shaping long-term legacies of sustainability, education, and innovation.

The much anticipated International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan (GREENxEXPO 2027), has finalised its Sustainability Strategy and the first official participants have been confirmed. Meanwhile in Thailand, Expo 2029 Korat continues long-term planning and development under the theme 'Nature and Greenery: Envisioning the Green Future'.

Horticultural firsts

A highlight of the Expo Conference was the approval of two new Expos: Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA, and Expo 2029 Garden Baghdad, Iraq.

AIPH Members granted provisional approval for the first A1 International Horticultural Expo in the USA, which will be located near the Mississippi River. Expo 2031 Minnesota will reflect the full diversity of the United States by incorporating all USDA agricultural zones, ensuring that the country’s wide-ranging climates and crops are represented.

Additionally, Members also approved an International Green Expo to be held in Baghdad, Iraq. Expo 2029 Garden will be the first of its kind held in Iraq and will showcase horticultural innovation in arid climates while honouring the country’s agricultural heritage.

These landmark approvals demonstrate how AIPH continues to expand opportunities to showcase horticultural excellence and to harness plants as drivers of prosperity, cultural exchange, and resilience.

Charting a Path to a Sustainable Future

In the first half of the AIPH International Horticultural Industry Conference, speakers from around the globe examined how ornamental horticulture can secure a sustainable future.

Opening the Conference, Juan Carlos Isaza, Senior Technical Expert at GLOBALG.A.P., commented: “Sustainability has shifted from a USP to a licence to operate — and now it moves beyond that, to securing our future. We have made remarkable achievements as a sector, but the responsibility is to push the boundaries further.”

The ‘Great Growing Media Debate’ panel revealed diverging national approaches to peat and its alternatives. With viewpoints from Belgium, Germany, and the UK, the panel explored differing needs of producers in each country and in the wider context of Europe.

Meanwhile, the ‘Industry Action’ panel explored what the industry is already doing to improve sustainable practices and what the next steps need to be.

These conversations reflected a unifying message: sustainability in horticulture is not an option, but a shared responsibility - we must push the sector to embed sustainability, not just in production but in the wellbeing of people, communities, and cities worldwide. The need for sharing data and examples of pro-active industry initiatives were shared.

Tech-led Production

The second half of the Industry Conference focused on technological innovations in ornamental horticulture, including the use of AI. Keynote Speaker Ingrid Creten of KBC’s Surf Studio showcased the many applications of AI, from Meta Ray-Ban glasses to generative video. She urged growers to experiment with the tools available to find what worked to give them a competitive advantage.

Moving away from AI, TTA-ISO Business Development Manager Joep Hendricks showcased technological innovations supplied by the company. Robotics are being utilised to enable growers to process millions of cuttings while improving quality. He commented: “This isn’t about replacing people; it’s about consistency, quality, and unlocking the data that AI needs to make us more efficient.”

The clear message: innovation is not just about gadgets - it’s about ensuring horticulture is future-proof, productive, and competitive in a fast-changing world.

Exploring Belgium’s Innovative Horticulture

Following two days of Conferences, delegates were taken on tours of local nurseries to see first-hand how Belgian growers are implementing sustainable practices and utilising technology in their production.

Located in the heart of Belgium’s production zone, Viaverda leads applied research in ornamentals. Over their two sites, they investigate different techniques for improving the sustainability of horticultural production. This research is then shared with growers to bolster the sustainability of the entire industry. Examples of techniques such as bio-control, sustainable water-management, and smart screens were demonstrated by the other nurseries on the tour.

Both Plant Select and Anjers de Nijs utilise bio-control to keep their plants healthy. Meanwhile, Leybaert ensures every drop of water is reused. Using a reservoir that can contain up to 14 million litres, the nursery collects rainwater to use in dry months for irrigation. Whatever water is not absorbed by the plants is treated with UV disinfection to be used again.

Houseplant producer Dirk Mermans combines sustainability with technology through the use of smart screens to save energy. These screens allow the producer to determine the level of sunlight that passes through to the greenhouse while helping to control the heat by managing infra-red radiation.

• Join AIPH in Sydney! Save the date: the AIPH Meeting 2026 will take place from 8th-12th March 2026 in the beautiful city of Sydney, Australia. The event is organised with the support of AIPH’s member in Australia: Greenlife Industry Australia.