Well-attended Cooperative Day 2023
December 7, 2023
Thursday 7 December saw the Cooperative Day 2023 take place in Aalsmeer, with the theme 'We build the future of floriculture together'. A successful day, with many visitors, interesting speakers and good talks.
Prior to the programme of the Cooperative Day 2023, the members' meeting was held. During the meeting, seven new Members' Council members were appointed and four members said goodbye to the Council. Extensive consideration was given to the departure of outgoing Supervisory Board chairman Jack Goossens, who was presented with the Royal FloraHolland Diamond by CEO Steven van Schilfgaarde as a token of appreciation for his efforts in recent years.
'Large turnout shows commitment sector'
CEO Steven van Schilfgaarde opened the day: 'The large turnout today shows that involvement in the sector is huge. I see that our members are focused on the future and that there is considerable investment in the sector. Sustainability is high on the agenda. We are unique in the Netherlands in producing and trading flowers and plants. We have to do that sustainably, and show it. As floriculture, we will bring our story into the limelight better and show pride. After all, we have beautiful products."
'A world-class sector'
Agriculture minister Piet Adema was then given the floor. He pointed out the importance of the ornamental horticulture sector for the Netherlands. "Flowers and plants improve people's well-being. Moreover, with 10 billion euros in export value, the sector contributes substantially to the earning capacity of the Netherlands. It is also a sector that is innovating hard, in terms of sustainability, mechanisation and logistics. The Dutch floriculture sector is world-class. I am enormously proud of that, and we should be allowed to propagate that pride more." He also points out that the floriculture sector within the Netherlands is the only sector to already set the ambition of CO2-neutral production at 2040 instead of 2050. "This puts the sector above all other sectors in the Netherlands," he says.
Table discussion and inspiration sessions
Afterwards, a table discussion took place with the minister, Karolien Tesselaar (Tesselaar Alstroemeria), Adri Bom-Lemstra (chairman Glastuinbouw Nederland) and Jan van Dam (CEO Dutch Flower Group). They discussed the future of our sector. What are the most important developments? How can politicians stimulate innovations and contribute to a healthy future of the floriculture sector? Afterwards, there were several inspiration sessions.
Prior to the programme of the Cooperative Day 2023, the members' meeting was held. During the meeting, seven new Members' Council members were appointed and four members said goodbye to the Council. Extensive consideration was given to the departure of outgoing Supervisory Board chairman Jack Goossens, who was presented with the Royal FloraHolland Diamond by CEO Steven van Schilfgaarde as a token of appreciation for his efforts in recent years.
'Large turnout shows commitment sector'
CEO Steven van Schilfgaarde opened the day: 'The large turnout today shows that involvement in the sector is huge. I see that our members are focused on the future and that there is considerable investment in the sector. Sustainability is high on the agenda. We are unique in the Netherlands in producing and trading flowers and plants. We have to do that sustainably, and show it. As floriculture, we will bring our story into the limelight better and show pride. After all, we have beautiful products."
'A world-class sector'
Agriculture minister Piet Adema was then given the floor. He pointed out the importance of the ornamental horticulture sector for the Netherlands. "Flowers and plants improve people's well-being. Moreover, with 10 billion euros in export value, the sector contributes substantially to the earning capacity of the Netherlands. It is also a sector that is innovating hard, in terms of sustainability, mechanisation and logistics. The Dutch floriculture sector is world-class. I am enormously proud of that, and we should be allowed to propagate that pride more." He also points out that the floriculture sector within the Netherlands is the only sector to already set the ambition of CO2-neutral production at 2040 instead of 2050. "This puts the sector above all other sectors in the Netherlands," he says.
Table discussion and inspiration sessions
Afterwards, a table discussion took place with the minister, Karolien Tesselaar (Tesselaar Alstroemeria), Adri Bom-Lemstra (chairman Glastuinbouw Nederland) and Jan van Dam (CEO Dutch Flower Group). They discussed the future of our sector. What are the most important developments? How can politicians stimulate innovations and contribute to a healthy future of the floriculture sector? Afterwards, there were several inspiration sessions.
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