Maybritt Kiel is a lobbyist representing Royal FloraHolland and the Dutch Flower Auctions Association (VBN) in Brussels, where she advocates for the sector's interests within the European Union. Dirk Hogervorst is the CEO of EMF carnation farm, which operates in Ethiopia and Kenya. Together, they discuss a topic that is of concern to both of them: regulations relating to crop protection.

Our sector is facing cyber incidents with increasing frequency. It's hardly a question of if you'll be affected, but when. For example, Ter Laak Orchios was hit by a phishing attack this spring, which, fortunately, was nipped in the bud fairly quickly.

The world in which we grow is changing rapidly. Farming needs to become more sustainable and smarter. Staff in the Netherlands are in short supply and expensive. At the same time, consumers still expect a perfect product, preferably at a price that isn't too high. How do you keep your business profitable in that world? A conversation with three growers about a radical, unexpected or intriguing innovation at their farm: what does it take to make it work? How does it help? And: how do they see the future?

Angela Mutters-van der Maarel has been managing director at Maarel Orchids since 2024. She is now ensuring that the company can take the next step towards sustainability and good employment practices. It wasn't immediately clear that Angela would join the family business. Angela: "First, I wanted to discover for myself what the world had to offer. And my parents encouraged that, too. They said, ‘Choose something you enjoy. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in horticulture.'"

Every year, Stigas presents the 'Vital and Healthy Working' award. In doing so, the prevention service for the agricultural and green sectors is highlighting good examples in this area. What can our members do to promote healthy and active working practices within their organisations?

For Royal FloraHolland (RFH), just as for its members and trading partners, our sector must demonstrate ever more clearly and transparently how flowers and plants have been grown by growers in a sustainable manner.

As you read the Members’ Newspaper in front of you, I think we should be a little prouder of how much we have already achieved in terms of efficiency and sustainability.