'Be proud of what we achieve together'

Over the past 10 to 20 years, we have invested heavily in sustainability and innovation. This has made us – the floriculture sector – and our own businesses stronger. Sustainability and innovation often go hand in hand. We want to produce as sustainably as possible, using as little resources as possible (water, energy, crop protection), and this requires new techniques or insights.

Many innovations have come about through collaboration and the sharing of knowledge. It's something we're still good at, as you'll see in this Newspaper. Many innovations stem from someone's idea. To take it further, we need the expertise of others, and to develop it, we need broader support. That is why you see many companies working together to test – and sometimes also develop – new technologies.

That way, we can support one another and lay a solid foundation for the future. The next stage. Where digitalisation and data offer even more opportunities. And further accelerate innovation. But we're also very good at keeping our successes under wraps. And that's a shame – a missed opportunity. This Members’ Newspaper features many examples from colleagues. It inspires me and makes me proud at the same time. It also makes me think about my own business. I'm sure this is just the tip of the iceberg, and I'd like to encourage other members to showcase their innovations or sustainable changes more to their colleagues and the wider community.

Make the most of opportunities to showcase your work or share your story by contributing to an article in our Members’ Newsletter or the Members’ Newspaper. By submitting your sustainable solutions for the Sustainability Award. Or by telling your story of innovation in a trade journal, the national press or on social media. But don't forget to show it off close to home, too. Tell your neighbours, at your football club, or simply whenever you have the chance to inspire others and there are people there who don't know our sector from the inside.

Be proud of what we've achieved together and make sure more people can tell that story...

Marcel van der Lugt, Chair of the Members' Council‍