International Seminar Finds Broad-Based Need For Industry-Wide Sustainability And Transparency
November 17, 2015 
An international seminar on sustainability and transparency in the floriculture supply chain drew nearly 300 people. Organized by Union Fleurs, VGB and MPS, the seminar concluded that achieving durability and maximum transparency is the responsibility of the entire supply chain.
An international floriculture industry seminar has concludes there is a broad-based need for sustainability and transparency. Achieving durability and maximum transparency is the responsibility of the entire chain, was the main conclusion of the seminar “Shaping the Future of Floriculture,” which took place on Monday, November 9 on the S.S. Rotterdam in The Netherlands. The seminar, organized by Union Fleurs, VGB and MPS, was well attended by participants from all parts of the floriculture supply chain.
The subtitle of the seminar was “Sustainability and disruptive innovations: turning challenges into opportunities.” Presentations by Marcel van der Hoeven (CEO Van Dijk Flora), Rens Buchwaldt (CFO FloraHolland), Alexander Zoern (CEO Blume2000) and Daniel Velez (CEO Suasuque) dealt with things such as the importance of sustainability and the role that certification plays in it. In addition, they tried to answer the question as to whether a disruptive innovation could turn the flower and plant industry on its head, as was recently the case in the taxi industry (i.e. Uber).
Theo de Groot, CEO of MPS, insisted on providing 100 percent transparency when it comes to achieving sustainability. In addition, he provided a glimpse into the future of certification.
“Using advanced technologies, we are working towards a data-driven, real-time environment,” de Groot said. “Thanks to the availability of sensors, drones, apps, the Internet of things and innovations such as Google Glass, the performance of real-time audits is getting closer every day.”
Interest Is Up Across The Supply Chain
With just under 300 participants, the seminar was not only very busy, but it also boasted interest from the entire supply chain. All parts of the chain, from growers and trading companies to retailers, were represented. In addition, a significant proportion of participants came from abroad. The main conclusion of the seminar was that all the parts within the chain are of the opinion that the achievement of sustainability and maximum transparency is the responsibility of the entire chain.
To close the seminar, Herman de Boon, president of the VGB and of Union Fleurs, called for collaboration, also at international level.
“We must ensure that there is open communication and maximum transparency, and create a situation in which relevant data is shared,” de Boon said.
Read the full article and presentations made during the seminar, and see photos of the event on the MPS website.
Subscribe to eNewsletter
