A Preview of the 2025 AIPH International Horticultural Industry Conference
The AIPH International Horticultural Industry Conference is part of the 77th AIPH Annual Congress, held on Sept. 16, 2025, in Ghent, Belgium. | International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH)
The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) invites those committed to advancing sustainable practices within the horticultural industry to attend the AIPH International Horticultural Industry Conference on Sept. 16, 2025, in Ghent, Belgium.
Part of the 77th AIPH Annual Congress, the morning session of the conference will focus on developments and strategies in key areas of ornamentals production and the supply chain. From E.U. legislation to growing media, chemical use, and sustainability certification, this session explores the practical and strategic changes that are shaping the future of our industry.
Keynote Speaker Mr. Daan de Vries, an Independent Sustainability Consultant, will present a global sustainability perspective, bringing a wide-angle view on the sector’s sustainability challenges, global dynamics, and what’s needed for the future. Ms. Sylvie Mamias, Secretary General of Union Fleurs, will offer insights on the E.U. regulatory agenda on sustainability and what it means for the floriculture supply chain.
Attendees will also hear from Viaverda, Belgium’s leading research institute, which will share developments in the industry and how the institute is helping local growers embed sustainability in their practices. Mr. Frank van der Heide, Director of Tuinbranche Nederland, will offer his perspective on how Dutch retailers are handling chemical use, public scrutiny, and future-facing strategies.
The Great Growing Media Debate
In ‘The Great Growing Media Debate’ panel, AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe will lead a discussion on approaches to peat, alternative substrates, and the future of sustainable growing media. Panelists include:
- Ms. Cecilia Luetgebrune, Secretary General, Growing Media Europe, Belgium
- Ms. Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), U.K.
- Ms. Julia Ostrowski, Horticert, Germany
What Can We Do?
A second panel, titled ‘What Can We Do?’, will bring together industry professionals to share real initiatives and forward-thinking approaches to industry-wide sustainability. Panelists include:
- Mr. Clement Tulezi, CEO, Kenya Flower Council, Kenya
- Ms. Stefanie Miltenburg, Head of Public Affairs, Royal FloraHolland, Netherlands
- Ms. Yvonne Watzdorf, MD, Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, Netherlands
- Mr. Jeroen Oudheusden, Executive Officer, Floriculture Sustainability Initiative, Netherlands
- Mr. Juan Carlos Isaza, Senior Technical Expert, GLOBALG.A.P., Germany
Commenting on the conference, Briercliffe says, “This forum provides a unique opportunity for the industry to address sustainability from a global perspective. Sustainability challenges for one country may be different than for another, but together we can ensure the entire sector moves forward in the right direction.”
The topic of sustainability will be the focus for the morning session, and, for the afternoon, the emphasis will shift to AI and technology. For more information and to secure a place at the Congress, visit the AIPH website.
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