Over 180 industry peers were present on Thursday, April 16, at the Horticultural Footprint Event in Schipluiden. Throughout the afternoon, they were brought up to speed on the latest developments in sustainability. The action-oriented approach of companies and organizations was particularly striking. Sustainability is more alive than ever, and the willingness to make a difference is great. Those who want to be a part of this will have to make choices, as was stated. “To be able to make an impact, you *must* choose a direction.”
Following the success of the first edition in 2025, expectations for the second Horticultural Footprint Event were high. But with an inspiring lineup of speakers, engaging presentations, and challenging discussions, attendees were not disappointed. Attendance was even higher than last year, with representatives from across the entire horticultural chain. From growers and breeders to suppliers and service providers, and from flowers and plants to fruits and vegetables. That was precisely the intention of the event: to appeal to horticulture in all its facets and raise awareness of the challenges in the field of sustainability.
Full transparency
Moderated by presenter Rob Veenman, the event kicked off with a panel of well-known names. Jelte van Kammen (Harvest House), Martijn van Vliet (Florpartners), Edith Bentvelsen (Ter Laak Orchids / Riza Growers), Dave Marcus (KAVB), and Albert Haasnoot (Royal FloraHolland) guided attendees through current sustainable developments within the sector. For example, horticulture is taking concrete steps towards more sustainable production with the First Sustainable Generation and 100% Grown Green. A frequently heard word in the discussion was ‘transparency.’ Dave Marcus, for instance, stated that the sector must more actively involve consumers in what is happening in the area of sustainability. “Opinions are often based on emotion. It's our challenge to help consumers see the real picture. This can only be achieved by having conversations and being completely transparent.”
Afterwards, John Vreugdenhil (KP Holland) talked about the company's experiences with calculating its footprint and how the plant nursery seeks cooperation to build a future-proof sector together. Marissa van Adrichem (Best Fresh Group) also shared her perspective on sustainability. She addressed a question that concerns many entrepreneurs: how do you make an impact in uncertain times? “Best Fresh Group is in the middle of a chain that is under pressure from climate change, tightening regulations and customers who are making ever-higher demands. To still be able to make impact, you have to choose direction.” In doing so, Best Fresh Group wants to stay not too far ahead, not too far behind, but especially in the pack, Van Adrichem indicated. “Everyone has to take the steps necessary in their own way and at their own pace. But keep moving.” For their part, LCA experts Katharina Schuster and Charlotte van Hal of Greenhouse Sustainability talked about the importance of footprinting in doing so. “Because only by measuring, you can make sustainable choices,” was their message. They took the audience through the various customized tools Greenhouse Sustainability developed for this purpose. Also launched was PackR8, the new PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) tool. With this, Greenhouse Sustainability wants to support customers with this new packaging legislation that will come into effect from August 2026.
To march together
This time, the Horticulture Footprint Event focused on three pillars: Environmental, Social, and Governance. This framework helps organizations map and improve their sustainability and social impact. Following contributions on environmental matters, presentations on governance took place. For example, Megan James (Tuinbranche Nederland) spoke about the future vision of garden retail. She particularly emphasized the importance of the sector working together collaboratively on sustainability ambitions. Boudewijn Zuijderhoudt (Epiic) and Chris Boers (aaff) discussed the collaboration between their two companies to actively help horticultural businesses become more sustainable. This involves not only calculating companies‘ footprints but also creating a ’roadmap' to gradually reduce that footprint. A pilot project with KP Holland has already yielded positive results.
Dennis Gebbink (Sportclub Only Friends) concluded by deeply moving the audience as the keynote speaker. He highlighted the social aspect of sustainability and spoke about the sports club he founded for children and young people with disabilities. His motto: ‘You are good just as you are.’ Through the efforts of over 200 volunteers, 50 interns, renowned ambassadors, and sponsors, 33 sports are offered to more than 800 athletes with physical or intellectual disabilities, or a chronic illness. Gebbink showed several videos that evoked both emotion and admiration from the audience. “Everyone should be able to play sports in their own safe and familiar environment.”
Ter Laak Orchids winner
Finally, the public winner of Ranking the Grower was also announced. The election, an initiative of KAS Magazine and HortiContact, focused this year on the most sustainable horticultural businesses. Earlier, a professional jury had already named LG Flowers, Ter Laak Orchios, and Koppert Cress as winners in the categories of flowers, plants, and vegetables. The public was able to vote online and overwhelmingly chose Ter Laak Orchios. Eduard ter Laak and Edith Bentvelsen accepted the public award on behalf of the company.
Henri Potze, director of Greenhouse Sustainability, looks back on the Horticulture Footprint Event with enthusiasm and is already looking ahead to next year. “We would be happy to return in 2027 with a strong program. Companies and organizations that wish to collaborate on this can contact us. We want to further develop the event together with the sector; we cannot do it alone. We look forward to working with other parties.”
Listen back
The entire event was also broadcast live on Hortibiz Newsradio. In addition, several speakers were interviewed during the event. Recordings of all presentations and discussions will be available to listen to again in the coming period via www.hortibiznewsradio.nl and are also published on the Hortibiz Newsradio Spotify channel.
