The new year is a good moment to take stock. What kind of year was the first Members' Council year? Members’ Council members Ben Olsthoorn, Rieneke van der Houwen and Marco Mol talk about how they look back on 2019. They also discuss their plans and resolutions for 2020.
Ben Olsthoorn | T. Olsthoorn en zonen bv
Members' Council Committee: Finances
2019
"There was a case of fraud in early 2019. The Royal FloraHolland Management Board immediately informed the Finance Committee of the Members' Council. That's when I knew that the Members' Council was being taken seriously. The Management Board sees us as an important player."
"The most important lesson I learned last year is to always think critically. That means that you shouldn't just blindly accept whatever the Management Board or the Supervisory Board says. We are here for and on behalf of our members. Our core task as a Members' Council is to represent them."
2020
"I am worried about Floriday, both personally and as a Members' Council member. There are still too many loose ends in the practical execution, when it comes to creating delivery forms, for example. The auction's relationship with the software providers is still far from ideal."
"I'm glad that I can reduce that distance between growers and the Management Board as a Members' Council member. I know what works in practice and what doesn't. My New Year's resolution is to become even more visible to our members as a Members' Council member. We are here for you. So if you need anything, call us or send us an email!"
Marco Mol | Mol Freesia
Members' Council Committee: Strategy
2019
"In the past year, the Royal FloraHolland Management Board asked us for advice on multiple occasions. About sustainability, for example. As Members' Council, we set conditions with our interests as growers taking priority. Sustainability is important, but it has to be feasible. This advice was taken into account when the final policy was formulated. That is the strength of the Members' Council, in my opinion: we represent the growers. The cooperation between trade platform Blueroots and Floriday was also an important moment of 2019, if you ask me."
2020
"Next year will be very exciting due to the introduction of the nationwide auction clock. How do we ensure an optimal sales position for our growers? That is one of my top priorities for 2020. The biggest problem is that everyone has a different view. This means that the Members' Council can't make all members 100% happy. That is why we try to do what's best for everyone. I have faith that we will be able to do that, because the Members' Council is a good representation of the cooperative. Everyone's interests are discussed."
Rieneke van der Houwen | Amaranthos Flowers
Members' Council Committee: Member involvement
2019
"On behalf of our members, I think and work towards a stronger cooperative. That gives me a lot of energy! Every Members' Council member takes on their role based on their own expertise. It took us a little while to realise that. Confidence has increased greatly in the group over the year."
"My knowledge of communication and daily practice as a grower come in handy. I was involved in the organisation of Cooperative Day, amongst other things. It was a nice first edition of Cooperative Day, although there is always room for improvement, of course. I am proud that I, as a grower and a Members' Council member, can be the link between our growers and the organisation."
2020
"Royal FloraHolland is valuable to us all. Still, I'm worried about the base of support for our cooperative. That is why I'm going to do my best to make our members truly feel this engagement. To make them believe in it. And it goes without saying that the organisation needs to earn this. With our current Management Board, and of course our efforts as the Members' Council, I am confident that we can achieve this. I hope this is articulated even better in 2020. The cooperative consists of all of us together."
Source: Royal FloraHolland