Sustainability and technology take centre stage at AIPH Congress in Ghent

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Shaping the future of horticulture, the Congress will bring together global experts to address pressing challenges in sustainability, regulation, and innovation

Horticulture

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19 July 2025

The 77th AIPH Annual Congress, taking place from 14–18 September 2025 at the NH Collection Ghent in Belgium, will include a dedicated conference on ornamentals production and supply chain sustainability.

The morning session will address critical topics including EU legislation, growing media, chemical use, and certification.

Keynote speaker Mr Daan de Vries, an Independent Sustainability Consultant, will open the session with a global view on sustainability challenges and future needs.

Ms Sylvie Mamias, secretary general of Union Fleurs, will provide insight into the EU regulatory agenda and its implications for the floriculture supply chain.

Viaverda, Belgium’s leading research institute, will share practical developments supporting local growers in embedding sustainability into their practices.

Mr Frank van der Heide, Director of Tuinbranche Nederland, will discuss how Dutch retailers are tackling chemical usage and public scrutiny.

The Great Growing Media Debate, moderated by AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe, will explore sustainable alternatives to peat. Panelists include Cecilia Luetgebrune (Growing Media Europe), Jennifer Pheasey (HTA, UK), and Julia Ostrowski (Horticert, Germany).

A second panel, What Can We Do?, will feature global industry leaders discussing real-world sustainability initiatives. Speakers include Clement Tulezi (Kenya Flower Council), Stefanie Miltenburg (Royal FloraHolland), Yvonne Watzdorf (Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland), Jeroen Oudheusden (Floriculture Sustainability Initiative), and Juan Carlos Isaza (GLOBALG.A.P).

The afternoon programme will shift focus to artificial intelligence and technological innovations shaping the horticulture industry.

AIPH secretary general, Tim Briercliffe, said: “This forum provides a unique opportunity for the industry to address sustainability from a global perspective. Sustainability challenges may differ by region, but together we can move the sector forward.”

Early bird registration is open until 31 July 2025.

For full agenda details and to register, visit the official AIPH website.

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