For Royal FloraHolland (RFH), one thing remains paramount: to clearly and transparently demonstrate how flowers and plants are cultivated based on sustainability. The RFH route remains fully certified according to FSI requirements, which focus on transparency and assurance throughout the supply chain. This aligns with the strategy of the FSI-Versnellersgroep, a group of large trading companies working toward fully FSI-certified procurement by 2027. For members and non-members who are unwilling or unable to follow this path, despite earlier concessions, RFH offers additional support along with an interim solution that includes adjusted levies and controls. RFH also uses filtering methods to support trading parties, including state-owned trading companies, allowing them to make certified purchases through both auction and direct channels via Floriday. This ensures they can continue operating while moving toward full certification. The enforcement schedule applies equally to members and non-members, in line with previously communicated timelines.
RFH is taking several practical steps to support this transition. Growers receive tailored support, especially for obtaining GAP and environmental certifications. Trading parties are now able to purchase fully certified products in line with FSI requirements, both through the auction clock and via Floriday, where certified growers can be easily selected. The FSI logo is clearly visible, making identification straightforward. For those who are not yet certified, RFH provides an alternative solution that includes continued access to trading, but with adjusted levies and additional controls such as residue testing. At the same time, RFH encourages organic cultivation by temporarily accepting EU Organic and Skal certifications, including growers who are in transition, until these certifications are fully integrated into the FSI system.
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These steps are driven by growing expectations from consumers, media, and governments around responsible cultivation. RFH supports this shift and asks growers to demonstrate transparency through FSI certification, which includes environmental, GAP, and social standards. As a cooperative, RFH also recognizes the importance of moving forward together, which is why it combines stricter requirements with additional support and interim solutions. This approach helps maintain transparency, particularly around the use of crop protection products, even for non-certified users.
Clear timelines and levies have been established to guide the transition. From 1 January 2026, all non-members and members with Direct Flex, Direct Focus, and Auction Flex packages must be certified according to FSI requirements. Smaller growers with turnover below €250,000 can use a special small-scale scheme. Enforcement becomes stricter through levies designed to encourage certification. Starting 1 July 2026, a monthly levy of 0.1% per missing certificate will apply, increasing to 0.2% in October 2026. From January 2027, the levy rises to 0.5% per missing certificate, with a minimum annual amount and additional controls such as residue testing. Social certification is already required for high-risk countries, and the same approach will extend to other countries once applicable.
For members with the Auction Focus package, full certification is required by 1 July 2027. After that, a similar levy structure applies, starting with 0.1% in October 2027, increasing to 0.2% in January 2028, and reaching 0.5% with minimum annual thresholds and added controls by April 2028. These requirements also apply to Plantion guest members.
RFH is also addressing the role of non-growing suppliers, who trade products they do not cultivate themselves. To ensure full traceability and compliance with FSI standards, these suppliers must obtain certification by 1 July 2027. Accepted options include Florimark TraceCert and GLOBALG.A.P. Chain of Custody certification. This ensures that all products traded on the RFH platform can be traced back to certified sources. The full certification policy will be included in updated Sustainability Regulations, forming part of the Auction Regulations and applying to all members, guest members, and suppliers.
To support growers in achieving certification, RFH is simplifying the process through additional tools and guidance. Growers above the €250,000 turnover threshold will now receive the same tailored support as small-scale growers, particularly for GAP certification. New tools, including online resources and sample materials, will help them prepare more effectively for audits. Additional training sessions will also be provided. At the same time, small-scale growers are actively encouraged to begin certification through partnerships with organizations such as MPS and Agraya.
Trading businesses are now better equipped to purchase fully certified products. Through Floriday, they can filter for certified growers, while the auction clock clearly indicates certification status. This makes it easier for buyers to choose certified products and contribute to greater transparency across the supply chain. RFH is also working more closely with the FSI-Versnellersgroep to better align certification timelines and planning, improving coordination across the sector.
For suppliers who are not yet fully certified but still provide some level of transparency, RFH offers an interim solution with additional support, adjusted levies, and stricter controls. These levies help cover the extra costs associated with monitoring, administration, risk management, and maintaining sector reputation. Residue monitoring plays a key role in this approach. All suppliers are subject to random testing, while non-certified suppliers face more intensive checks, including unannounced inspections, to ensure responsible use of crop protection products.
RFH continues to promote organic cultivation by accepting EU Organic and Skal certifications during the transition period and exploring ways to better support organic growers in trade channels. At the same time, RFH and the FSI-Versnellersgroep are strengthening their collaboration to improve transparency and consistency in residue monitoring and compliance checks. The goal is to provide clear, reliable information while creating efficiencies and reducing costs across the supply chain.
