Jan de Vries will be the new chairman of the Nursery Trade Fair Foundation in Boskoop. He succeeds Jan Willem Griep who has held this position for 12 years. De Vries owns Boot & Dart Boomkwekerijen BV, Griffioen Wassenaar BV and De Noordhoek perennials BV.
The Nursery Trade Fair Foundation's purpose is to promote trade in nursery stock products. To this end, the organization manages and operates real estate at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude-Dorp and organizes the annual Plantarium trade fair. This trade fair could not physically take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A fully digital version of the trade fair was held instead.
According to outgoing chairman Jan Willem Griep, this was a bold choice. "It has taught us that seeing and speaking to each other physically plays an important role in the experience of the trade fair. I think the future lies in the combination of a physical and digital trade fair organization. After 12 years of contributing with great pleasure to the promotion of the trade and its wonderful products, I leave the development of a mix that appeals to the trade to my successor, whom I wish every success." According to Jan de Vries, the market, society, and the sector are changing rapidly. "It is therefore important that the organization responds to this in its activities and constantly innovates. There will only be a future for Plantarium if the trade fair is able to inspire and activate businesses to make changes. That is the task I am setting myself with the new administration."
Due to the expiry of the regular term of office, two other board changes will take place at the Nursery Trade Fair Foundation. Board member Gerard Berkelmans and secretary/treasurer Wilfred van Polanen are making way for Bernard Oosterom and Michiel Gerritsen.