José Antonio Restrepo Rada Elected Board Representative for South America

José Antonio Restrepo Rada has been elected as the new Board Representative for Region V (South America) of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). The election took place during the AIPH Meeting in Sydney on 9 March 2026.

Restrepo is the Chairman of the Board of Asocolflores, the AIPH member organization representing Colombia's flower export sector, and serves as the General Manager and shareholder of AYURÁ S.A.S., a family-owned flower business. Located north of Bogotá, AYURÁ employs approximately 750 people and represents the second generation of growers.

With a career spanning over six decades, Restrepo has witnessed the growth of Colombia’s floriculture industry, which has become one of the largest flower-exporting sectors in the world. Colombia now produces around 340,000 tonnes of flowers annually, generating export revenue of approximately USD 2.4 billion, with the United States being the largest market.

Restrepo has played a key role in expanding Colombian flower exports into Asia, particularly Japan, which has helped diversify international markets for Colombian floriculture.

Upon his election, Restrepo stressed the growing importance of South America in the future of global ornamental horticulture. “South America must develop its full potential to play a strategic role in the transformation of global ornamental horticulture,” he said. “With extraordinary biodiversity, favorable growing conditions, and increasing technical capacity, the region can make significant contributions to innovation, sustainability, and responsible production.”

Restrepo also highlighted the industry’s social impact, stating, “The flower industry in Colombia has transformed many rural communities. My biggest concern is our people—how we preserve their jobs and support the industry through the challenges we are currently facing.”

Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General, welcomed Restrepo’s appointment: “José Antonio represents a sector that has been central to the global flower industry for decades. His leadership in Colombian floriculture, combined with his international market development experience, will bring valuable perspectives to the AIPH Board. AIPH exists to connect the global horticultural community, and José Antonio’s voice will ensure South America’s expertise is well represented.”

AIPH President, Leonardo Capitanio, added, “I am particularly pleased to welcome José Antonio to the AIPH Board. His experience, along with Colombia's significant role in our industry, will offer invaluable insight to our discussions.”

Restrepo will participate in the AIPH Horticultural Industry Conference on 10 March, where he will join international leaders in discussing ways to strengthen support for growers in an evolving global marketplace during Session 3 – Advocating for the Industry.