Column Members' Council member: 'Think and work constructively'
April 30, 2024
Does she have a few hours free at the weekend? Then Kitty de Jong, owner of guernsey lily nursery Agro Fleur Select, prefers to jump on her bike. Out into nature or exploring small villages and lovely farms. Kitty has been a member of the Council of Members' Council for a year now. You can read about her findings in this column.
I had never thought about it before: me, being part of the Members' Council? After all, in discussions I'm not the front-runner. An opinion? I often don't have one readily available. I want to consider all the pros and cons before discussing anything.
So when I was asked to join the Members' Council, I had to think about it. But soon I decided: why not? And before you know it, a year has gone by. The first year was enormously instructive. I now have a different picture of what is going on in our sector. Take the discussion about sustainability certification. Before, I used to sometimes think: yes, that's logical, isn't it? This has to happen. Now I have a broader view. I now also understand that an obligation for certification can be a huge downer for a smaller grower. He or she can hardly cope with this on his or her own. Because it's quite a lot to get it all organised.
Well-founded opinion
I like that looking with a new perspective. As a Members' Council member, it helps me to form a sound opinion. And to take into account as many wishes and interests as possible. It doesn't get any easier. The world is complex, and it is only getting worse. Seeing things through a different lens allows me to think about things more deeply. And that benefits the discussion.
That is why it is so important that the Members' Council consists of a good reflection of members. We grow a niche product ourselves, for instance. I see products like ours as the icing on the cake for Royal FloraHolland. It is very important that a good and fair marketplace remains for this variety of products in particular, alongside products that are easier to grow. A wide and deep assortment is indispensable. This keeps things in balance, and as a sector we remain interesting to buyers worldwide.
Collecting opinions
The Members' Council is an important voice for all our members: big, small, flowers, plants, national, international, big and small. We like to hear from everyone. That, in turn, is important input for the discussions we have. And believe me: during those discussions, things really do flare up. My work for the Members' Council has given me more respect for the Management Board. Because just try making a decision, with all those opinions and interests. Everything the Members' Council brings up is taken seriously. We are listened to carefully.
There are several committees in the Members' Council. I am a member of the Members Engagement and Consultation Committee. And that has to do with what I wrote above: hearing what our members have to say. We organise member sessions, canteen sessions and other opportunities to consult members. This could be, for example, an issue on which the Finance Committee needs input. Or an issue that is very topical at the time, and about which we have already received many signals from members. It's great to take stock of what's going on and to translate that to the Members' Council and the Management Board.
Think and work together
I notice that some members are negative. I find that a pity. Because, as I wrote, the Members' Council does not just say 'yes' to all the Management Board's decisions. Indeed, what we bring in on behalf of the members weighs very seriously in decision-making. Discussions are really not easy. Then, for example, it's fifty per cent for and fifty per cent against. But in the end, a decision does have to be made. One in which the interests of the sector as a whole are firmly taken into account. Then you can never keep everyone happy. But you can ensure that everyone understands. And that - where necessary - there is help and support.
So I would say: are you struggling with something? Speak up. To me, to other Members' Council members or during the sessions we organise. Think and work constructively on our cooperative.
I had never thought about it before: me, being part of the Members' Council? After all, in discussions I'm not the front-runner. An opinion? I often don't have one readily available. I want to consider all the pros and cons before discussing anything.
So when I was asked to join the Members' Council, I had to think about it. But soon I decided: why not? And before you know it, a year has gone by. The first year was enormously instructive. I now have a different picture of what is going on in our sector. Take the discussion about sustainability certification. Before, I used to sometimes think: yes, that's logical, isn't it? This has to happen. Now I have a broader view. I now also understand that an obligation for certification can be a huge downer for a smaller grower. He or she can hardly cope with this on his or her own. Because it's quite a lot to get it all organised.
Well-founded opinion
I like that looking with a new perspective. As a Members' Council member, it helps me to form a sound opinion. And to take into account as many wishes and interests as possible. It doesn't get any easier. The world is complex, and it is only getting worse. Seeing things through a different lens allows me to think about things more deeply. And that benefits the discussion.
That is why it is so important that the Members' Council consists of a good reflection of members. We grow a niche product ourselves, for instance. I see products like ours as the icing on the cake for Royal FloraHolland. It is very important that a good and fair marketplace remains for this variety of products in particular, alongside products that are easier to grow. A wide and deep assortment is indispensable. This keeps things in balance, and as a sector we remain interesting to buyers worldwide.
Collecting opinions
The Members' Council is an important voice for all our members: big, small, flowers, plants, national, international, big and small. We like to hear from everyone. That, in turn, is important input for the discussions we have. And believe me: during those discussions, things really do flare up. My work for the Members' Council has given me more respect for the Management Board. Because just try making a decision, with all those opinions and interests. Everything the Members' Council brings up is taken seriously. We are listened to carefully.
There are several committees in the Members' Council. I am a member of the Members Engagement and Consultation Committee. And that has to do with what I wrote above: hearing what our members have to say. We organise member sessions, canteen sessions and other opportunities to consult members. This could be, for example, an issue on which the Finance Committee needs input. Or an issue that is very topical at the time, and about which we have already received many signals from members. It's great to take stock of what's going on and to translate that to the Members' Council and the Management Board.
Think and work together
I notice that some members are negative. I find that a pity. Because, as I wrote, the Members' Council does not just say 'yes' to all the Management Board's decisions. Indeed, what we bring in on behalf of the members weighs very seriously in decision-making. Discussions are really not easy. Then, for example, it's fifty per cent for and fifty per cent against. But in the end, a decision does have to be made. One in which the interests of the sector as a whole are firmly taken into account. Then you can never keep everyone happy. But you can ensure that everyone understands. And that - where necessary - there is help and support.
So I would say: are you struggling with something? Speak up. To me, to other Members' Council members or during the sessions we organise. Think and work constructively on our cooperative.
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