"68th AIPH annual congress broadens industry knowledge for members"

The ongoing review of emerging countries within a project looking at an ‘international vision’ for ornamental horticulture was a focus for members of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) attending their 68th Annual Congress in Antalya, Turkey on 26 September to 1 October.

Hosted by the Turkish Ornamental Plant and Products Exporters Association (OAiB) and Expo 2016 Antalya, members benefited from five days of conferences, discussions, meetings and tours in this beautiful region of Turkey. The Congress included an International Green City Conference and International Horticultural Expo Conference as well as meetings of AIPH Committees covering Novelty Protection and Environment & Plant Health.

Project Manager for the International Vision project, Joep Hendricks, updated members on the work underway to review countries which will provide the greatest production and/or market opportunities for the future. The session included presentations on Colombia from President of Asocolflores, Augusto Solano, on Iran from President of the Iranian Society for Ornamental Plants, Pejam Azadi and on Turkey from Gulsen Bay of OAiB.

Members also appreciated presentations and discussion from the President of Union Fleurs, Herman de Boon, the Secretary General of CIOPORA, Edgar Krieger and Cukurova University Professor Yesim Yalcin Mendi.

A tour programme included visits to professional growers in the region as well as Expo 2016 Antalya and the old town of Antalya to see the site that won the prize in the 2015 Communities in Bloom awards.

Commenting on the Congress AIPH President, Bernard Oosterom said “I am delighted with the success of our 68th Annual Congress. Members and guests were able to share together in this unique forum and everyone went home with useful information and inspiration to share with their own industry. I would encourage any ornamental horticulture industry association, not yet in membership, to come along to our meetings and see for themselves how useful they are.”

Read more on the topics discussed at the AIPH International Green City conference at www.aiph.org/green-city-conference and at the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference at http://aiph.org/expo-conference/

For more about AIPH and how to become a member visit http://aiph.org/join-aiph/