floraculture

‘Concordia res parvae crescunt’

June 2012 • www.floracultureinternational.com

The business magazine for worldwide floriculture

Colombia (duty) free to trade with USA

08 A peek at premiere bedding plants

22 A uctions from around the world (2)

Diversity is our Glory

Table of Contents

June 2012 Volume 22 Number 6

A peek at premiere bedding plants

08

Fleuroselect, the international organisation for seed-raised plants, can look back on the very successful European Spring Pack Trials that were held from April 25 to 27.

by Ron van der Ploeg

Fleuroselect Gold Medal winners

Fleuroselect is proud to present ‘The Super Trio’ - three outstanding varieties that the Fleuroselect Judges found to be superior in terms of breeding, beauty and performance, and crowned with the Fleuroselect Gold Medal.

by Ron van der Ploeg

15

Breeders win important piracy case

On April 27, 2010 Naktuinbouw and bailiffs seized illegally propagated Osteospermums at a Dutch plant nursery. It was the detailed upfront preparation of the case that caused quite a bit of controversy in the floriculture world.

by Ron van der Ploeg

16

Where does Colombia exports its flowers to?

Where does Colombia exports its flowers to?

Read on to find out. Meanwhile, Asocolflores is proud to announce some more exciting news from Colombia where flowers were the nation’s first product to enter the U.S. market under the new Free Trade Agreement.

by Ron van der Ploeg

21

Auctions from around the world

This month, the second episode of Auctions from Around the World provides a comprehensive overview of SICA Marché aux Fleurs d’Hyères, FloraHolland, Plantion, Aucnet, SS Flora Koop and SS Çiçek Üretim.

by Ron van der Ploeg

International Protea industry collaborates in Chile

The International Protea Association (IPA) met recently in Chile for their combined industry conference and research symposium.

by Audrey Gerber

28

AGM CIOPORA

The 2012 CIOPORA AGM Week was extraordinary in many regards: the intensive educational programme, the exotic setting and the spectacular venues – all of these made the 2012 AGM very special for the CIOPORA community.

32

by William Armellini and Anna Kähne

The next generation of potting machines Javo has improved it’s well known potting machine and developed the Javo Evolution.

by Jehan Daal

42

Royal Van Zanten at Flower Trials International breeding companies Royal Van Zanten, Danziger and Morel will provide valuable insights into current and future trends in floriculture at the upcoming Flower Trials which will held from June 12 to15, 2012.

by Ron van der Ploeg

46

22

AGVs in Gerbera production

Berg Hortimotive has launched a new AGV which is designed to transport harvested gerberas in a commercial greenhouse environment.

by Ron van der Ploeg

47

Spring beauties at Keukenhof

Keukenhof offered no less than sixteen indoor flower shows where breeders and professional growers were invited to take part in the VKC Quality Competition.

by Ron van der Ploeg

48

Departments World News Prices International Events Science Monthly Advertising Index

18 37 41 50 51

Columns In My Opinion Buon Giorno Certifiable in California Miami Happy Gardening Dutch Comfort

07 19 31 35 39 45

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

3

Floraculture International encourages the pursuit of joint activities in areas of mutual interest with national and international societies, companies and organizations.

Agreements have been reached between Floraculture International and leading growers and trade associations in 24 countries. This unique partnership includes a complimentary copy for each member of the registered associations. Floraculture International is proud to announce the cooperation with the following associations.

Partners of FloraCulture International KwaZulu Natal Flower Grower's Association

Turkısh FONT HARRİNGTON

FCI’s newest partner this month: 



Make acquaintance with

British Florist Association (BFA) The British Florist Association (BFA) is the national trade association for professional and retail florists in Great Britain, with over eight hundred members representing almost five thousand florists the BFA is the voice of the industry.

The BFA was established over fifty years ago and was also a founding member of FEUPF, now called FLORINT (the International Florist organisation). The BFA has many affinity partners that help our members with savings for their businesses and thus make them more profitable.

Everything from Fuel Cards, to Card Processing, Banking and Insurance as well as deals on BFA organised events such as the annual trade show and conference, FleurEx held the last weekend in October each year.

eMagazine

BFA members receive a monthly eMagazine, Focal Point but with the new partnership agreement with the publishers of FloraCulture International, BFA members will now receive a complimentary copy each month through their letter box in addition to Focal Point to their ‘in box’. The BFA aims to be the independent trade association representing the interests of the professional florist. And the BFA objectives are.

1. To support our members by promoting them to consumers as the first point of call for the purchase of flowers, floral gifts and tributes through education of the public in the art of floristry and design.

2. To represent our members at national and European government level, ensuring their interests are not adversely affected by any proposed changes to legislation.

3. To provide our members with affiliation schemes and benefits to help reduce costs and achieve a more profitable business.

4. To encourage our members to attend training courses (both floristry & general business) in order to assist their development in increasing business turnover and profitability.

5. To continuously increase our membership base so that we may have a majority voice to assist the association in helping our members further. |||

Who is FITA? The Flower Import Trade Association (FITA) of the UK was founded in the late 1970s with the aim of sharing information and logistical strengths.

One of the key achievements in the early years was the introduction of dedicated charter flights out of Bogota, Colombia which allowed importers to increase capacity and ensure that flowers arrived in peak condition.

Industry standard

Over recent years, FITA have been involved in developing an industry standard for the packaging of waste, have worked closely with Defra, the Department for

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the introduction of new Plant Health initiatives and have actively lobbied on behalf of Colombia against the introduction of duty on Colombian flowers.

These days members of FITA work closely with growers and suppliers throughout a wide range of countries importing fresh flowers, tropicals and foliages and share promotional initiatives within the industry through sponsorship, levy systems and subscription fees. |||

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

5

The orchid professionals

®

since 1933

www.plantarium.nl Register your visit via the Internet and save yourself time at the entrance.

22-25 august 2012 Boskoop/Holland

Leading producer of young orchid plants orchids@floricultura.com Visit us at the Flower Trials from 12 till 15 June

www.floricultura.com

A

[vacancy]

Are you the one we’re looking for?

Key words are: marketeer, the beauty of roses, commercial drive, hands-on and creative.

Please check www.lex.nl for the full profile You are the PRODUCT MANAGER with a global focus, looking for a new challenge within a dynamic, ambitious and international organization Lex+, ‘the Rose Factory’ is known for its innovative and high quality products and runs an extensive assortment. With well-known brand names such as Avalanche+ the company has achieved a strong position on the global market.

Lex+ is a proud member of Agribio Group, a group of leading breeding companies.

Editorial & Administration Offices

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With compliments

floriculture industry; the interviewees and contributors remain focused on “what caninbe” “what isn’t”.

The cut flower Working backwards thisrather issue;than in East Africa, Ethiopia’s market is fldiffi cult, butgrowth a glimpse of relief is being by explosive oriculture is being reined back,experienced but in another Quality, innovation, sustainability and logistics aresunshine words that the pot and bedding plant growers with theitspring snippet of news received from David Gray appears that having often appear in ourappearance editorial. Th is a compliment to you, the made a well-timed inisEurope. logistics in East Africa are receiving a boost. He writes that if floriculture industry; the interviewees and contributors remain infrastructure, communications and transport are the key to the focused on “what caninbe” than “what isn’t”.

The cut flower Working backwards thisrather issue; in East Africa, Ethiopia’s development of horticulture and economies in general the news market is fldiffi cult, butgrowth a glimpse of relief is being experienced by explosive oriculture is being reined back, but in another of: new roads linking Addis Ababa with Nairobi; a proposed new the pot and bedding plantfrom growers with theitspring sunshine having snippet of news received David Gray appears that railway line on the Kenyan Coast from Addis Ababa to Lamu; a made a well-timed appearance in Europe. logistics in East are receiving a boost.Delta He writes thatabout if new railway lineAfrica from Tanzania to Uganda; Airlines this.flcommunications It’s beautiful day, (Whit) sunthe high infrastructure, andthe transport are key toup thein the sky toPicture start direct ights between Nairobi and Atlanta; aisdeal between Working backwards inday thisDon issue; in East Africa, Ethiopia’s and like a modern am delivering a neverdevelopment ofAviation horticulture and Quixote, economies in general theNairobinews Kenya’s Astral and Etihad Crystal ICargo for the explosive flbattle oriculture growth isthe being reined back, in another toshould eradicate creeping thistle, Cirsium arvense, of:ending new roads linking Addis with Nairobi; a but proposed new Abu Dhabi route; all Ababa have positive effects on the economic snippet ofgrassland. news received from David Gray it appears that on my Never heard of Cirsium arvense?

Thena you better railway line on the Kenyan Coast from Addis Ababa to development of East Africa in the medium to long term.Lamu; logistics in East are receiving a boost.

He are writes that if dominate stay tuned as Africa this bloody little, creepy thistle can quickly Quality, innovation, and logistics words that new railway line fromsustainability Tanzania to Uganda; Delta Airlines about infrastructure, communications and transport are the keyand to the the vegetation in your once so beautiful grassland often appear in our editorial.

Th is is a compliment to you, the to start direct fl ights between Nairobi and Atlanta; a deal between In Taiwan, the presidential opening of the International Orchidaccording ofAviation horticulture and economies in general the newswho fails to the provisions of Dutch Thistle Act, a for landowner fldevelopment oriculture industry; the interviewees and contributors remain Kenya’s Astral and Etihad Crystal Cargo the NairobiShow is an indication in the itself about the pride the nation takes in of:tonew roads linking Addis Ababa with Nairobi; a Th proposed new take action to prevent the weeds from spreading can be found focused on “what can be” rather than “what isn’t”. e cut flower Abu Dhabi route; should all have positive eff ects on the economic its orchid innovations, in particular for their phalaenopsis exports. railway on the Kenyan Coast Ababa a of an offence conviction liable totoaLamu; fine. market isline diffi cult, but aand, glimpse offrom reliefAddis is to being development of East Africa inon the medium long term.

Thguilty e Breeder Open Days in the Netherlands for theexperienced number oneby in newpot railway line from Tanzania to with Uganda; Delta Airlines about the andwere, bedding plant growers spring having cut flowers conversely, very low key;the quality is sunshine the renowned to start direct flpresidential ights between Nairobi andwas Atlanta; a deal between this frustrated farmers boy swearing and above made a point, well-timed appearance infor Europe.

InAnyway, Taiwan, the opening of the International Orchid selling however, especially those Dutch rose growers Kenya’s Astral Aviation and Etihad Crystal for the Nairobiall sweating under hot spring sun.

The more refreshing and Show isexistence an indication inthe itself about the prideCargo the nation takes in whose is being threatened by current economic conditions.

Abu Dhabi route; all have in positive eff ects Ethiopia’s on it should was toparticular witness on the other sidetheofeconomic the road a Working backwards inin this issue; East Africa, itsencouraging orchid innovations, for their phalaenopsis exports. development of East Africa inisthe medium to long term. nation’s increasing interest inmessage plowing, milking, seeding, explosive oriculture growth being reinedof back, but in another Th e Breeder Open in the Netherlands for thesubstrates number one in sheep Quality isflalso the Days overwhelming our and tractor riding.

My key; neigbours, Gravesteijn snippet of received from David Gray it appears that cutshearing flowers conversely, very low quality the renowned special.

Thnews ewere, RHP Foundation is guiding the “willisthe to improve” of Inbrothers, Taiwan, the presidential opening of the International Orchid have agriculture infor their genes have been logistics in East Africa are receiving a boost.

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myopinion opinion InInmy With compliments

regarded as the moment when the new season’s most innovative

are shown the first time.

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27-04-2009 13:08:58

Anabel Evans, Editor

Ron van der Ploeg, editor ron@floracultureinternational.com

8

Pack Trials Fleuroselect, the international organisation for seed-raised plants, can look back on the very successful European Spring Pack Trials that were held from April 25 to 27. The yearly event is regarded as the moment when the new season’s most innovative introductions are shown for the first time.

by Ron van der Ploeg

A peek at premiere bedding plants

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Trials visitors discuss introductions with Syngenta's Gerard Werink.

Impatiens Tumbler ensures mildow-freedom The annual Syngenta spring trials at Andijk, 60km north of Amsterdam, are widely regarded as a benchmark for the competition. This year there were well over a thousand varieties on show, some of them from other breeders grown for comparison. In 2012, Syngenta is launching over a hundred new varieties.

This is a particularly big year for introductions, with three new series of trailing varieties to the forefront. All three were in key genera – pansies, Petunias and Impatiens.

Wonderfall is Syngenta’s new trailing pansy series, large-flowered and at maturity producing trails of up to a metre in length. Bred in the USA, it is heat-tolerant, and maintains flowering well into the summer. There are four shades mixtures, together with a Yellow Red Wing and Purple with Face.

Tumbler is a breakthrough, a seed-raised trailing Impatiens series. It replaces the

now discontinued cuttings-raised Spellbound series. Tumbler has the important advantage of seed as the starting material, absolutely ensuring mildew-freedom at the very beginning of the production cycle.

Picobella Cascade is the first trailing milliflora Petunia from seed. In six colours, a target of its breeding has been compact habit as a young plant, allowing high density production on the nursery without entanglement with neighbouring plants Syngenta was also showing another new Petunia series, Duvet, a genetically compact grandiflora. No PGR’s are needed in

production, and spread after planting out in the garden is claimed to be excellent.

Among many other introductions, in the cuttings-raised trailing Verbena series Lanai, there were two new sister varieties for the much admired novel bicolour Lanai Twister Pink. These are ‘Twister Red’ and ‘Twister Blue’. An outdoor mass of bloom, the new Alpino series of Saxifraga x arendsii was also on display. It is not only totally hardy and larger-flowered than its established rivals, but also has a lengthy flowering period of up to ten weeks. |||

>>>

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

9

10

Pack Trials

Hem Genetics' newly launched pelargonium series Nano, dwarf and darl-leaved, seen at their April trials.

Compact Nano Pelargoniums The genetically compact Nano series of zonal pelargoniums was this year’s big launch by Hem Genetics. It fits perfectly into the pattern of this still-young breeding company’s achievements. Hem varieties are mostly of summer-flowering bedding plants, are all seedraised and now include four genetically compact series – Petunias Limbo and Mambo, and Salvia splendens Reddy preceding the introduction of Nano. PGR’s are not required in the production of any of these.

WWW.HEMGENETICS.COM

Limbo

standard Petunia

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

In previous years, Hem Genetics’ trials visitors have seen the Nano series as experimentals. In trials it has proved highly successful as a budget-priced container plant, with a performance at least as good as any of the dwarf cuttings-raised varieties. There are seven colours, of which the Salmon is entirely new.

There were also new colours for visitors to see in many of Hem Genetics series. In the Petunia multiflora series, Mambo, there was Red Morn, a fifteenth colour. In Corina, the recently introduced Viola series, the new Deep Marina was likewise a fifteenth colour.

Appleblossom was new for the dwarf doubleflowered Antirrhinum series Twinny.

In Dianthus, Hem Genetics has introduced five series. There were three new colour; pink

for the Dianthus chinensis series Diana, Cherry Picotee for the interspecific hybrid Chiba, and Salmon for the fringed single Supra.

Hem Genetics’ trials not only give visitors an insight into the breeding work of Rudy Westenberg and his colleagues. They are part of it. An example this year was that there were 55 labelled batches of dwarf single antirrhinums on the benches. Fewer than a third of these were colours that are already available in Hem’s Snappy series. Eighteen were experimentals, potential new colours and improvements for the series. And over twenty were other breeders’ varieties, grown with exactly the same cultural treatment, there side by side for comparison with Snappy. |||

Trailing Cool Wave pansies with unrivalled flower power The PanAmerican Seed trials in Rijsenhout wasn’t just an ordinary side-byside variety comparison, it was practically a miniature flower festival where the next generation trailing pansies took centre stage. Viola x wittrockiana Cool Wave succeeds the well-respected Plentifall series, which was hailed as the ‘first pansy ever that pours’ in 2010. “Plentifall was a great product of ours, but Cool Wave has bigger flowers and more vigour. Cool Wave pansies can withstand hard freezes. After this year’s harsh winter when temperatures dropped to -20˚C the Wave pansies were the earliest to come back in our show garden,” said communication manager Ros Ford.

Available in Yellow, White, Violet Wing, Frost and a mixture, this new aweinspiring pansy can produce 60 to 70cm of trail on baskets and is also ideally suited as groundcover. “This can be particularly interesting for the German market, which has a long standing tradition when it comes to the use of flower and plants on graves, as Cool Wave is a mat-forming groundcover with easy spreading colour.”

In terms of plug producer facts, the Cool Wave can be produced in a 128-cell tray with 1 seed per cell. Cool Wave pansies can also be produced in a 288-cell size tray. However, the 128 size will promote

Glamourously trailing Cool Wave pansies.

stronger lateral growth and a quicker finish, with more flowers.

It is important to mention that these types of pansies require more fertilizer than their more mainstream counterparts. For best results, start a week after transplant and apply nitrate-form with low phosphorus fertilizer. Since this is a spreading type pansy and mostly grown in 10.5 cm and 15cm pots or in larger 25 to 30 cm baskets, minimal to no plant growth regulators are needed. In North West Europe, total crop time to finish in 10.5cm pots for autumn production can be approximately fourteen weeks from sowing.

Backed by an impressive marketing campaign, Cool Wave is set to generate sales. The campaign is based on the main feature of this pansy; a quick centerpiece attraction to the garden that impresses in every season. Seasonally changing artwork is used with the ever expanding social media network to establish a word wide spread of fans and followers.

Cool Wave is so glamourous, one could almost forget about PanAm’s other super

Sorbet Yellow Frost XP

range of F1 Violas, the Sorbet Series which this year saw the addition of eight new colours; Blackberry XP, Marina XP, Pink Halo XP, Yellow Frost XP, Carmine Rose, Midnight Glow, Peach Melba and Pink Wing. A special place of honour was reserved for the 2011 Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner, Sorbet Delft Blue XP which has a unique, true blue colour with a white face in a stable colour combination.

Meanwhile, PanAm’s Fantastic Foliage series is going strong. “In terms of turnover, Fantastic Foliage sales are nearly as big as our total Viola sales. This year is the launch of two new premium accent plants. Coleus ‘Chocolate Covered Cherry’ is 30 to 35 cm tall and is supplied as an easy-to-sow pelleted seed. Millium Flashlights features vivid chartreuse leaves and makes an ideal filler accent for shady mixed combos and landscapes. ||| A special place of honour was reserved for the 2011 Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner, Sorbet Delft Blue XP.

>>>

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

11

12

Pack Trials Upward growing Sundiascias Outside its native habitat, southern Africa, Diascia, with is traditional mounding plant habit, was quite unknown until the 1970s, when it appeared onto the international market.

The new Sundiascia series by Moerheim New Plant /Suntory, recently ensured its continued popularity thanks to its upward growing, tall flower spikes.

There are three colours including Blush Pink, Rose Pink and Orange.

The cutting raised Sundiascias are an easy crop. In North West Europe, potting in the larger 10 or 20cm pots is recommended in week 7, including three cuttings per pot. Crop time potting to finish can be around 10 weeks.

Over the years, Moerheim New Plant and the Japanse breeder Suntory, have developed strong working partnerships with the world’s most famous vegetative Petunia, Surfinia, as one of the most spectacular

Sundiascia.

results. “Surfinia sales are stable,” said Jacob Smolenaar adding that, “the allure of the brand alone makes Surfinia easier to sell than other plants. Buyers have learnt that they can trust the brand to deliver consistent quality at a reasonable price.”

Surfinia Deep Red replaces Surfinia Red and Surfinia Table Dark and has a magnificent deep red colour that doesn’t fade when compared to its predecessors.

Sundaville Rose Pink makes an ideal hanging basket plant.

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Surfinia Deep Purple Mini has mediumsized flowers and produces masses of flowers all throughout the season.

New red colours have also been added to the Sundaville series, including the early Sundaville Burgundy featuring large, dark red flowers and Sundaville Velvet Red and Rose Pink being superstars in both pots and hanging baskets. |||

Surfinia Deep Red replaces Surfinia Red and Surfinia Table Dark and has a magnificent deep red colour that doesn’t fade.

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Physical Mode of Action

Takii's introduction Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewels Pink’, with ‘Summer Jewels Red’ in background.

Absolute show-stoppers at Takii’s Violas, Begonias, Petunias, a very pretty new Salvia, strong and diverse ranges of grasses, herbs, and ornamental Brassicas…

These were some of the first impressions for visitors to the annual spring trial of Takii Europe, near Aalsmeer. The Japanese parent company is the oldest seed business in the world, and is also internationally known also for vegetables and for its Sunrich sunflower varieties.

One of this year’s introductions at its spring trials was Salvia coccinea ‘Summer Jewels Pink’, a companion colour for 2012 Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner ‘Summer Jewels Red’. These two varieties are distinctively much dwarfer than established varieties such as ‘Lady in Red’.

For that reason more appealing to growers for colour sales.

‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ is new for Takii’s dwarf double-flowered series of hollyhock (Alcea). The Crimson in this recently introduced series is another 2012

Gold Medal winner.

The Floral Power series, originally introduced by Sahin Seeds, is among the world’s market leaders in Viola. There were three new colours for visitors to see, Red, Sky Blue Blotch and the striking Gold Violet with Blue Wing.

There was a comparative trial of leading Begonia semperflorens series on the benches at the Takii trials. The company’s recently introduced Monza and Havana series were visibly highly competitive in speed of development and earliness of flowering. The garden performance of

the green-leaved Monza and the bronzeleaved Havana is also claimed to be equal with the best.

As a guest company of Takii, HilverdaKooij staged a colourful display of their two most strongly developed garden plants. These were the SunFlor dwarf carnation series, and dwarf Alstroemerias in the Inticancha range. Occupying pride of place was the dark-leaved orange ‘Indian Summer’, a taller variety, introduced last year. Reaching a height of up to 70cm, it has been bred for either planting out or for very large containers. |||

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

13

™

VIOLA

Easy Spreading Colour

coolwaveviola coolwaveviola www.panamseed.com

Bedding plants Fleuroselect announces its 2013 Gold Medal winners Celosia argentea plumose E ‘Arrabona’ Fleuroselect, the international organisation for ornamental, seedraised plants, is proud to present ‘The Super Trio’ - three outstanding varieties that the Fleuroselect Judges found to be superior in terms of breeding, beauty and performance, and crowned with the Fleuroselect Gold Medal.

by Ron van der Ploeg

ach of these stunning varieties is an exciting addition to the ornamentals market.

The 2013 Gold Medal Winning varieties are now available from leading seed suppliers and distributors. The Super Trio Winners are:

Lewisia cotyledon ‘Elise’ Breeder: Floragran, the Netherlands Unlike any current Lewisia cotyledon cultivars, Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner ‘Elise’ flowers in the first season without a cold period and brings to the market an excitingly new, almost exotic annual for rockeries, beds and containers.

‘Elise’ starts flowering 4-5 months after sowing and this sturdy plant with its attractive fleshy, succulent leaves will delight all season long in sumptuous shades of pastel pink, rose, salmon, orange, white and yellow, and bicolour patterns.

A Fleuroselect Gold Medal is awarded to real breakthroughs in ornamental breeding and a first-year flowering Lewisia needing no vernalisation thus offering a substantially shorter cultivation period fits the bill. During the Fleuroselect trials held at 15 locations across Europe, Lewisia Cotyledon ‘Elise’ flowered profusely in the first year, leaving the competition way behind. The Fleuroselect judges were further impressed with the improved germination and exceptional heat tolerance. ‘Elise’ is a genuine breeding breakthrough and a well-deserved Fleuroselect Gold Medal winner. |||

Breeder: Research Institute for Fruits & Ornamentals, Hungary A Fleuroselect Gold Medal is awarded in recognition of exceptional ornamental breeding and ‘Arrabona’, named for an ancient Hungarian city, is a creation of Prof. Dr. Zoltán Kováts, master breeder at the Research Institute in Budapest.

The Fleuroselect judges were particularly impressed with the variety’s vivid novel colour, superior garden performance and overall uniformity. ‘Arrabona’ has a very long flowering season and will delight gardeners with a striking presence in both borders and containers. It is magnificent in a single-coloured planting, but can be combined effectively with reds, yellows, whites and blues as an accent in striking mixtures. |||

Dahlia ‘Dalaya Yogi’ Breeder: Selecta Klemm, Germany Dahlia ‘Dalaya Yogi’ is the master of garden meditation. ‘Dalaya Yogi’ will use its karma to charm gardeners with dark seductive centres and its exceptionally longer flowering season. This early flowering, medium vigorous, mildew tolerant Dahlia is an alluring new addition to the current range of cutting-raised garden Dahlias.

At the Fleuroselect trials the expert judges voted this gorgeous garden Dahlia as the newest cutting-raised Gold Medal winner. The variety showed that it produces strong, fully floriferous, medium sized plants which when planted out in containers grab attention, not just for a short period, but a full season.

Growers and retailers visiting the trials already fell for Dalaya Yogi’s charming pink flowers with their contrasting dark centres and the judges rewarded this top Dahlia breeding with a Fleuroselect Gold Medal. |||

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

15

Plant Breeder’s Rights On April 27, 2010 Naktuinbouw and bailiffs seized illegally propagated Osteospermums at a Dutch plant nursery.

It was the detailed upfront preparation of the case that caused quite a bit of controversy in the floriculture world.

Breeders win important piracy case T

he illegal use of plant material protected by plant breeders' rights has been going on for years; however, illegal use on a large scale doesn’t happen very often. Under the coordinating efforts of RAI (Royalty Administration International) and PLA International the breeders made use of every available resource in order to prove their PBR rights. Subsequently, the judge has sentenced the defending parties.

PBR abuse

by Ron van der Ploeg

In the spring of 2009 flower auctions and floral wholesale companies spotted the first signs of PBR abuse in Osteospermum with plants displaying striking similarities with varieties owned by Selecta, Sakata and Sunny. These three breeding companies decided to team up with Royalty Administration International (RAI) in the Netherlands to find out how the products were brought onto market. RAI has a vast amount of experience in such cases. The office

in 's-Gravenzande is maintaining contact with Naktuinbouw, the Bundessortenamt (Federal Plant Variety Office) and specialised solicitors.

All the varieties that were included in the legal action originated from a company that operates under the name Van Santen. The Van Santen Nursery is involved in both breeding and propagation of Osteospermums.

It soon became clear that it wasn’t a minor offence. The breeders spoke of malicious infringement of their plant breeders' rights with large numbers of plants. Selecta, Sakata and Sunny highly doubted whether Van Santen was really creating its own varieties.

Strong evidence was collected and it was the first time that breeders had united in their defense against illegal use in the Dutch cultivation of Osteospermum.

Independent conclusion The first step was to bring in an official agency, in this case a

bailiff, who purchased a number of Osteospermum varieties from Van Santen. Samples of these varieties showed that they were actually the original varieties from the three breeders.

In order for the plant material to flower in a greenhouse, Naktuinbouw, another independent agency, was called in. The experts at Naktuinbouw were indeed able to confirm that the plants purchased by the bailiff were 'very similar to each other'. This conclusion was reached after comparing all the variables that are required for granting plant breeders' rights for Osteospermum varieties; these include the colour, the colour combination of the flower centre, the petals, the hairs on the surface of the leaves, the position of the leaves and others characteristics from the total of 27 variables.

This independent conclusion of the Naktuinbouw was sufficient for the three breeders to request the judge’s permission to levy 'prejudgment attachment' and 'seizure of evidence', in order to compel the defendant

‘ Illegal use sets a bomb under breeding activities’

16

“This case makes it clear that we as breeders attach great value to ensuring that our plant breeders' rights are respected,” said Jos van Popering, Managing Director at Sakata Holland B.V. “The message to growers is clear: no illegal activities will be tolerated. We invest large sums in developing new varieties and these are legally protected. If our rights are abused on such a large scale, then that sets a bomb under breeding activities. If we find another violation we won’t hesitate to take action. Furthermore, there is also an interest for the retail sector. Retailers currently work with very strict quality programmes. Buyers have to be able to trust that the plant material that they purchase represents the protected variety and is legally produced.”

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Selecta Osteos

to make various Osteospermum varieties available. This was done on 27th April 2010, with the seizure of five samples of each variety which were suspected of being illegal. The inspections were carefully coordinated through simultaneous actions at four locations, with Naktuinbouw experts and bailiffs present.

then entered the next phase of collecting proof with this plant material. To optimally determine the identity of the varieties, Naktuinbouw was commissioned to carry out DNA testing on the plant material using the Variety Tracer technology. This is a method that RAI and PLA have previously used successfully in comparable cases.

However, the three PBR holders wanted to collect additional evidence. Therefore they commissioned the Bundessortenamt in Germany to carry out complementary morphological research.

The department in Germany is one of the agencies that are accredited for carrying out tests on Osteospermum, regarding plant breeders' rights. Naktuinbouw and Bundessortenamt were clear in their opinions: the conformity was unambiguously proven in the tests. That cleared the way for the judge to make a final judgement on the matter. The point of view of the three parties was clear: the three Van Santen companies had propagated and dealt in plant mate-

Sakata Cape Daisy Volta

Variety tracer

Naktuinbouw took reference samples of the protected varieties from the three breeders for onsite comparison. Moreover, they were responsible for taking photos and compiling reports on the numbers in each suspected batch.

Based on the first visual assessment the conclusion was once again reached that illegal use was involved. Selecta, Sakata and Sunny

RAI is worldwide representing breeders of ornamental plants in the field of plant breeders rights and

rial and had consequently infringed their plant breeders' rights. Van Santen tried to defend itself, by claiming that it was not a matter of intent and/or negligence. The court dismissed this defense; these were professional growers of the Cape Daisy and they also bred and propagated themselves. In other words, the Van Santen companies had committed the offences with premeditation and probably used their own breeding activities as a smokescreen.

Penalty payments

All three infringing companies were ordered to compensate for the costs of the process and the damage that the three breeders had and will suffer due to the infringement of plant breeders' rights. Furthermore, they have to repay the profit made from their illegal activities. Furthermore, the judge imposed penalty payments of 2,500 euro for each following violation of the order or, at the discretion of the breeders, a penalty of 1,000 euro per day, to a maximum of 100,000 euro. Because there were a number of defendants in this case, the judgment applied to each defendant. In addition to this, all the illegal plant material had to be handed over to be destroyed.  |||

ADMINISTRATION PLANT PATENT

ROYALTYLICENSING WORLDWIDE

INTERNATIONAL

PROFESSIONAL

plant patents. RAI

BREEDERS

advises breeders how to protect their varieties, takes care

Worldwide watching your rights.

of filing

www.rai-worldwide.com

applications, develops license agreements, collects royalties and performs controls.

Office Europe 's-Gravenzande, Holland Phone (+31) 174-42 01 71 Fax (+31) 174-42 09 23 E-mail info@royalty-adm-int.nl

North-America Fort Myers, Florida, USA (+1) 239 278 9917 (+1) 239 278 4833 royalty@rai-na.com

Latin-America BogotĂĄ, D.C. Colombia SA (+571) 601 9018 (+571) 256 3855 info@rai.com.co

Japan Kashiwa-Shi, Chiba (+81) 4 7146 5188 (+81) 4 7146 5332 japan@royalty-adm-int.nl

18

World News

Azerbaijan A sea of flowers spruce up Baku’s concrete Heydar Aliyev Palace Here’s a shot of the floral installations by Dutch floral artists Bart van der Elsken, Jaap Wisse and their colleague Anna from Poland that adorned one of the central parks of Azerbaijan’s capital city, Baku.

The no less than 140 floral arrangements are a tribute to the country’s former president, Mr Heydar Aliyev, a big name on the stage of Azerbaijani politics for more than 30 years.

He ruled the country as president with a rod of iron from 1993 to 2003. Aliyev died in a US hospital on December 12, 2003.

The high style, contemporary flower arrangements along with each of the eight giant street light poles that have turned into a sea of 12,000 Gerbera flowers wowed the crowds.

The effect was exuberant and definitely spruced up the dark grey tones of the Heydar Aliyev Palace, which is located just in front of the park.

It’s the second year in a row that Van der Elsken and his team have been asked by the local authorities to help set up the Gül Bayrami, Azerbaijan’s annual Flower Festival.

From May10 to May 17, visitors could stroll past oceans of flowers and through beautiful gardens. “The job has been carefully planned over the last ten weeks. Around 11 days are needed for the actual installation –featuring 1, 000,000 flowers and greens mostly from Holland. We planned to stay an extra 7

days to refresh the arrangements midway through,” said Van der Elsken.

The current President of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Aliyev and his spouse, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, attended the opening of the flower festival as they did last year.

‘Master florist’ Bart van der Elsken has his own flower shop in The Netherlands. In 1998, he started working as a freelancer, promoting flowers and plants through workshops, demonstrations, make-overs and advising flower-shops, garden centers, wholesalers and hotels.

By the end of May, Baku and Azerbaijan received international attention as it hosted the 57th Eurovision Song Contest, a show which is viewed by some 125 million people worldwide. Van de Elsken proposed organisers of the event to adorn the famous Greenroom with flowers but his offer was declined. |||

GrootGroenPlus and Expo TCO join forces Nursery trade exhibitions, GrootGroenPlus Zundert and Expo TCO Opheusden have joined forces in a new partnership to improve attendance and international media coverage.

As a result, international journalists will receive an invitation to attend a press tour. Moreover, both events will be held more or less in conjunction with each other. By teaming up, GrootGroenPlus and Expo TCO are set to become the premier platform for national and

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

international buyers who will be presented with thousands of plant and tree varieties.

GrootGroenPlus’ chairman Joost van Iersel and Werkgroep Expo TCO's chairman Wim Crum find the cooperation especially valuable because it offers them the possibility to be more efficient in presenting the Dutch nursery stock range to a broad range of international visitors. “We chose to cooperate instead of to compete. Given the relatively short distance between both fairs, those who have to travel a long way can visit both

trade fairs at once. Each trade fair has its own unique identity, which we will emphasise in our advertisements as well”, the chairmen said.

The 22nd edition of GrootGroenPlus will be held in Zundert from October 3-5, 2012, while Expo TCO will open its doors from October 2-4, 2012 More information regarding participating in or visiting these fairs can be found via www.grootgroenplus.nl and www.treecentreopheusden.nl. |||

by Arturo Croci

Buongiorno!

Italian style Stefan Schaab wins Best Garvinea Grower Trophy Dutch primary school pupil, Stefan Schaab has won the Best Garvinea Grower Trophy Award, the highest accolade in the Garvinea School Garden Olympics. At a tension filled awards ceremony at the world horticultural expo, Floriade, Stefan beat off strong competition from three other finalists from the UK, Belgium and Germany.

Following three months of commitment and strong dedication, the young growers of the Garvinea School Garden Olympics travelled to Venlo in the Netherlands for the big finale on Saturday May 5th, 2012.

They proudly presented their home-grown plants to an international panel of garden experts including Peter Seabrook (The Sun Gardening, United Kingdom), Lodewijk Hoekstra (TV presenter of gardening programs, the Netherlands), Ivo Pauwels (author and editor of gardening TV and Radio programs, Belgium) and Peter Ambrosius (Gerbera expert, Germany). The jury selected one finalist per country and eventually one over-all winner. Stefan Schaab from the Netherlands won the international competition with his flowering plant and was presented with the TrowelTrophy. His secret: “I put my plant in the southern window sill and fertilized it regularly. I gave some extra attention and that seemed to help!”

With the international growing competition Garvinea breeder Florist Holland, in close collaboration with Floriade Kids, the Belgium Countryside Classes and the British Miracle Gro’wers, aims to teach children the joys of growing plants. Since the kick off of the project in February the children took care of their own plants and learned about nutrition, the importance of water, soil and light. The children will now plant their blooming Garvineas into the school gardens, where they will flower until the first frost. |||

The consumption of flowers in Italy and Southern Europe as a whole is decreasing. This is partly due to the financial crisis but there are also changes in terms of culture and consumer behaviour. As a result, flower promotion has become more important than ever.

Speaking of promotion, in Italy, the Venaria Flower Festival- which was held in the royal Venaria Palace from March 16 to 18, 2012 (www.lavenaria.it) ranks undoubtedly among the country’s leading events where flowers are put in the limelight.The Venaria show gathered no less than sixteen schools and florists from Norway, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Belgium and Italy with Norway’s floral design school, BLOK and its ‘Weightless’-themed arrangement, being crowned the overall winner.

I think the initiative of the Venaria show is a very positive one, offering florists from Europe a fantastic platform to show off their skills. This year, I had the honour of being invited and I took a series of photographs which I sent to florist friends in various countries. Their response was almost unanimous, “Nice, but more or less similar to what florists are doing here. From Italy we would have expected something different ...”.

I guess my friends are right.

Now it’s time for a mini floral history lesson. It was in the late 90s, when I attended the International Exhibition of Floriculture at Aalsmeer, when Jan van Doesburg, then chairman of the Flower Council of Holland, the Bloemenbureau Holland, invited me to have a look at the stand of the San Remo Flower Market, which was exhibiting for the first time. Despite Van Doesburg’s enthusiasm, I was deeply disappointed as the San Remo booth was poorly decorated and didn’t really stand out from the crowd.

The next day Wim van Meeuwen, then the managing director of BBH Italy, accompanied me on a visit to Zuidkoop De Lier, where I met the director, Mr Piet Vellekoop.

Piet is an extraordinary person and to call him a simple florist would be an injustice. Piet is a floral artist and he asked about my impressions of the trade show. When I expressed my disappointment over the poor Italian participation he said, “Arturo, we need you Italians as a driving creative force. Italians could contribute in an incredible way to the floral art and you can help speed up this process.”

Piet Vellekoop could be dubbed as the Father of Italian floral style, so I took his advice seriously and upon my return in Italy, I travelled down to San Remo. I repeated Piet’s idea to form a group of ‘Italian Sytle’florists to Giancarlo Cassini, chairman of UCFlor San Remo Flower Market.

Eventually, Piet’s ideas were put into practice and 2000 saw the first big achievement of the ‘Italian Style Group’; spectacular floral arrangements

by Gabriella Lantero to adorn the G8 summit in Genoa. Following the G8, another group of stylish florists, under the name San Remo Italian Style was set up. This organisation continues to exist, grow and evolve. It also organised the Festival of Flowers in Venaria, certainly very beautiful and very artistic, but maybe to far fetched for the big audience...

I believe that if one wants to encourage people to use more flowers in their daily life, the message must be simple and easily understandable for everyone. In my opinion, the only thing really missing at Venaria was... the FLOWERS. Arturo Croci is the founder of Italy's leading horticultural business magazine Flortecnica and a walking encyclopedia of Italian horticulture. arturo@floracultureinternational.com

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Colombia Japan overtakes the UK as Colombia’s third-biggest export market for flowers A Where does Colombia exports its flowers to?

Read on to find out. Meanwhile, industry body, Asocolflores is proud to announce some more exciting news from Colombia where flowers were the nation’s first product to enter the U.S. market under the new Free Trade Agreement.

by Ron van der Ploeg

ccording to a recent report issued by the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters, Japan has overtaken the UK as the third-biggest export destination for Colombian flowers.

In 2011, Colombian flower exports to the United States reached $USD957 million, managing to hold onto a 76.5% sales participation. Russia currently claims second place at $USD61 million, followed

by Japan at $USD50 million, The United Kingdom at $USD44 million, and Canada rounds off the list at $USD28 million.

Bouquet exports reached $USD434 million, grabbing 34.7% of exports, followed by roses at 30.5% participation, or $USD381 million.

More exciting news from Colombia where flowers were the nation’s first product to enter the U.S. market under the new Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Colombia.

On Tuesday, May 15th Augusto Solano, president of the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters, Asocolflores, announced on

Colombia flower export Country United States Russia Japan United Kingdom Canada Spain Holland Other countries TOTAL

Total $ 957,060,539 $ 61,434,990 $ 50,806,928 $ 44,041,252 $ 28,504,205 $ 27,862,115 $ 24,375,935 $ 57,239,700 $ 1,251,325,663

% Part 76.5 4.9 4.1 3.5 2.3 2.2 1.9 4.6

Colombian Flower Worker, Sopó, Cundinamarca

May 15th that 4,200 boxes with more than 1.200.000 Colombian flowers would wing their way to the USA on an 80-ton Centurion and Keuhne + Nagel MD 11 cargo plane bearing products from nine Colombian flower farms. The aircraft lifted off on Monday, May 14th at 9:00 p.m. with an ETA at Miami International Airport of 1:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 15th, making this shipment the first Colombian product to enter the United States under the new Free Trade Agreement.

Solano stated that even though Colombian flowers already enjoy preferential tariffs, the passage of the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement is strategic to ensuring floriculture product permanence in its main market constituting 76% of its exports.

Solano went on to point out that approximately 80% of all flowers

the US imports come from Colombia, and that thanks to the US distribution network currently in place Colombian blooms and foliage can be found coast-to-coast in supermarkets and florist shops.

Colombian floriculture generates over 150,000 direct and indirect jobs in 48 townships around the country and is the top-ranked national non-traditional agricultural product with 2011 sales reaching USD 1,250 million. Colombian flowers also generate employment inside the United States producing nearly 225,000 jobs set mostly around the products’ main port of entry in Miami.

“Colombian floriculture celebrates the passage of the US-Colombian FTA and hopes it becomes a tool for generating more jobs in Colombia”, said the president of Asocolflores. |||

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Auctions (2) This month, the second episode of Auctions from around the World, provides a comprehensive overview of SICA Marché aux Fleurs d'Hyères, SS Flora Koop, SS Çiçek Üretim, Aucnet, FloraHoland and Plantion.

Auctions from around the world A bumper year for SS Flora Koop FloraCulture International had the honour to speak with the 51-year old Mr Muammer Yazıcı, President of the Istanbul-based SS Flora Üretim ve Pazarlama Kooperatifi (SS Flora Koop flower production and marketing cooperative).

by Ron van der Ploeg

Mr Muammer Yazici beams as he walks through the SS Flora Koop headquarters which are located in north west Istanbul. His company is the biggest seller of fresh cut flowers in Turkey and has had a particularly bumper year.

“We’ve done better than ever in 2011,’ he said proudly. “The official figures reveal that we sold approximately 375,000,000 flower stems, worth $43 million, in 2011. Last year, our auction saw its turnover grow by 14%. We are also delighted with the results during the first three months of 2012 with a turn­ over worth $12 million.”

Mr Muammer Yazıcı, President of the Istanbul-based SS Flora Üretim ve Pazarlama Kooperatifi (SS Flora Koop flower production and marketing cooperative).

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Double digit growth

Turkey has become the fastest growing economy in Europe and the second fastest growing economy in the world. “SS Flora Koop cooperative grows more or less at the same pace. Over the last five years, our company achieved a 95 % growth in turnover,” said Mr Yazici. Commenting on consumer behavior in the fresh cut flower market in Turkey, he said, “Turkish people usually buy flowers on wellknown occasions such as Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Teacher’s Day. In addition, Turkish people buy or send flowers on birthdays,

weddings, engagements and funerals. In the past few years, the country has launched a new religious day to celebrate the holy week of the birth of Prophet Mohammed. On this occasion, roses especially are distributed in mosques, and we expect this holiday to become one of the most important days in terms of flower sales in the near future.”

Focus on founding fathers

A quintessential growers’ union, SS Flora Koop places a major focus on its founding fathers, the growers.

“But we also listen carefully to our customers, the buyers,”stressed Mr Yazici. He added, “We provide financial support and fresh flowers for activities which aim to improve the profitability of the Turkish flower sector. We don’t allocate dividends to our shareholders, and the AGM of the cooperative decides on how to invest our profits.”

When asked about the total number of member growers, Mr Yazici said that SS Flora Koop members total around 5,100. “3,500 of them are growers in the true sense of the word.

They run the typical, small family businesses, but we also have medium sized to large companies among our members. Growers hail from across the country: Yalova, İzmir, Antalya, İstanbul, Sakarya, Adana, Mersin, Samsun, Tokat are the cities which are closely linked to commercial cut flower production. Flowers are delivered to the Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Ankara, Kocaeli, Samsun, Eskisehir, Konya, Mersin, Yalova, Bursa,

A quintessential growers’ union, SS Flora Koop places a major focus on its founding fathers, the growers.

Adana, Kayseri and Corlu branches of our cooperative.”

It is estimated that Turkey hosts approximately 10,000 ornamental growers of which 6,000 to 7,000 produce fresh cut flowers. Around 80% of cut flower producers are members of an auction cooperative.

Widening the assortment

The most important ornamental crops in Turkey are roses, carnations, Chrysanthemums, Gerberas, Gypsophilas, Freesias, lilies, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, Strelizia, Anthuriums, orchids, Gladiolus, Bouvardia, Solidago, Anemone, Ranunculus and various cut greens.

According to Mr Yazici, providing a complete range of cut flowers is key to the success of SS Flora Koop. “Our cooperative is serving as a cash and carry store. But the clear focus is on cut flowers, while pot plants sales are very limited. Recently, much effort has been put into widening the assortment of indoor houseplants.”

Timely and secure payments

Currently, there are two cooperatives operational in Turkey along with a

high number of other privately owned companies. These private companies buy flowers from either the cooperatives or directly from growers, and are merely flower merchandisers operating a different type of business. “This combination is good for the industry, however, some of these companies may be unstable. Consequently it is interesting to notice an increasing number of growers who see the benefit of a cooperative. In the last three years, around 500 new flower growers joined our organisation. Whenever possible, we give them full support by reducing our commission fee and providing a wide range of logistics services. SS Flora Koop accounts for 80% of sales in the domestic market. We stand out from other companies when it comes to timely and secure payments to our member growers,” emphasised Mr Yazici.

In a fast changing world, traditional ways of communication are giving way to new technologies, including online sales. SS FloraKoop has responded: “Online flower sales in retail markets have dramatically increased across the world and this is seen in Turkey too.

Unfortunately we haven’t been able to improve online sales in the wholesale

market yet, but we are definitely searching for the best ways to do so.”

Goals and challenges

When asked about the goals and challenges for the future, Mr Yazici emphasizes the development of a system which enables flowers to travel comfortably stored in water. Other wishes on his list are to open a new auction room, and to inform, educate and guide growers in order to increase product quality.

“To me, the future for the Turkish flower industry looks very promising.

Commercial production of cut flowers started only 70 years ago. In the 1980s, our industry received a major boost thanks to the ‘Opening to the World’ policy, which was initiated and implemented by Turkey’s former President, Mr Turgut Özal. Since then, the Turkish flower industry has developed quite well with a significant increase in both production technology and production volume. I sincerely hope that the Turkish flower industry will develop parallel to the Turkish economy; a booming economy which doesn’t go unnoticed in the world and especially in Europe,” concluded Mr Yazici. |||

>>>

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Auctions (2) In Hyères, all is not rosy The SICA Marché aux Fleurs d’Hyères is France’s sole flower auction, generating a turnover of nearly € 30 million in 2011. Last year, more than 110 million stems were sold, while the overall average price for all species decreased by 12%.

Commenting on the 2012 spring sales season, SICA’s development director, Mr Gilles Rus, said that the season started off poorly with a lack of Ranunculus and an average product quality caused by unfavorable weather conditions. As a result, meeting the market demand was difficult until the end of January 2012. That changed during the second part of the season with a 2% increase in supplies and a 5.17% price improvement for the entire range of Ranunculus.

Peony sales have so far met expectations. “Peonies are a prime example of an unheated crop on which wintry weather can have a huge impact. Many producers have done their utmost to bring forward and expand the harvest period. Unlike last year, the Var region, representing 50% of France’s professional cut flower production, was perfectly timed to bring the first spring peonies onto the European market and competition from Northern production areas was not as fierce as usual. Var reached its peony production peak around the Mother's Day celebrations in Europe. One thing we are particularly proud of is the premium quality of this year’s harvest.”

clocks are not expected to survive for more than fifteen years. When asked to rate SICA’s life expectancy, Rus said, “Life expectancy of SICA is closely linked with the producers and it is one of our main challenges to safeguard the critical mass of flower producers in this region. Ultimately, their level of profitability is what interests us the most. SICA provides a marketing tool for its member growers and if there continues to be a future for our growers, there will be also a future for SICA. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that we will allow huge quantities of import flowers to be sold under the SICA clock in order to maintain our sales. Our primary task is to defend the interests of our member producers. Let’s not beat about the bush. French flower growers along with their

SICA’s development manager, Gilles Rus.

All is not peony rosy

But even in Hyères, all is not (peony) rosy. In a recent interview with the Dutch trade magazine, Vakblad voor de Bloemisterij, SICA’s former administrator, Mr. Karel Olsthoorn, strongly criticised the SICA market. When asked about his first reaction, Mr Rus said that in his position of development director, there’s no real need for debate. “SICA’s Board of Directors is composed of fifteen members, and it is in this context that decisions are made by majority vote.”

Meanwhile, Olsthoorn continues to claim that the SICA auction

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Hortisud is a premium quality label, owned by SICA and the Hyères Hortipole Association.

European counterparts suffer a fierce and unfair competition from third countries benefiting from preferential tariffs, rules and free trade agreements that have nothing in common with ours.”

Rus doesn’t see SICA disappearing but this might be different for the auction clocks. “There may be changes over time and we will make sure that we adapt our organisation to the customer’s demand.

This could mean that we will have to adjust our sales instruments.”

Expanding the product range

The criticism of Mr Olsthoorn focuses on a ‘incomplete range’ with SICA selling only anemones, peonies and Ranunculus. How serious is the problem?

“Anemone, Ranunculus and Paonia are species that really belong to the South of France and are sold on export markets, but they represent only 20.7% of our total turnover,” said Rus. He added, “Even if our range of products is far from being as wide as in the Netherlands, it is important to avoid clichés.”

One of SICA’s primary goals is to expand its product range. “Only our local customers and the retail florists expect a full range of products which can be found at the auction or in the cash and carry stores which are located on the 23,000m2 SICA business park. These customers, however, represent only 12% of our turnover. We do take this into account and as a result we provided African roses last winter. But quantities were limited, adapted to the customer’s demand and only

Managing director SS Çiçek Üretim ve Pazarlama Kooperatif, Mr Fuat Palanduz.

available from November to March, when we ran out of production. As for the vast majority of our customers, they are already largely supplied by the Netherlands and only buy specific products and different quality products at SICA.” In a fast-paced society there seems to be more to do with less time and this also goes for florists and floral wholesalers. However, according to Rus, buying at SICA means buying at a one- stop-shop for the whole range of products. “On the SICA site, you can actually find all these products in a short time, and this definitely plays to the advantage of our nearby customers, who represent 12% of the turnover.”

Euro-region auction

In the Netherlands, Veiling Rhein Maas is the prime example of how to successfully blend two auction cultures into a truly Euro-region auction. Why not team up with Italian counterpart UCFLOR in San Remo?

“We have already started working with the Italians. SICA and UCFLOR have joined forces in the Flormed project, establishing quality standards, a remote buying system between the existing market and a series of marketing campaigns focusing on typical Mediterranean products,” said Rus. He concluded, “Both markets are managed in a completely different way, but the results of the joint work over the last two years proves that there is room for further cooperation. It is in the interest of both the Var and San Remo regions to work together more in the future.” |||

SS Çiçek Üretim seeking to increase market share Turkey has become the fastest growing economy in Europe and the second fastest growing economy in the world. At the Istanbul-based flower auction SS Çiçek Üretim ve Pazarlama Kooperatif sales were up by 40% in 2011.

According to the auction’s managing director, Mr Fuat Palanduz, Turkish people have much love for flowers with Valentine’s Day becoming the most popular holiday to offer each other flowers, followed

by Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Day (November 24th) and Women’s Day on March 8th.

When asked about the business structure of SS Çiçek Üretim, Palanduz explained that the cooperative is entirely owned by growers, but preparations are underway to change the corporate structure.

SS Çiçek Üretim has over 1,000 member growers who run small family owned flower nurseries in Antalya, İzmir, Yalova and İstanbul.

Providing a complete range of cut flowers is key to the success of a flower auction. So far, the company doesn’t include a cash and carry store for hardware, floral supplies and potted plants. “However, we are working on it,” ensures Fuat.

The union makes the force. Merging with competing businesses could be an option. “It remains a tough decision to make and it has to be approved by our general assembly.

Speaking about competitors, how does Palanduz’company differentiate itself on the marketplace? “An outsider could compare Turkey’s two leading flower auctions with the two halves of one apple. We used to dominate the market, but SS Flora Koop has gained market share from our company over the past five years. We sincerely hope that we will be able to strengthen our market position in the next five years.”

In a fast changing world, traditional ways of communication seem to be out, while online is in and SS Çiçek Üretim has implemented its own online ordering system: www.sadececicek.com Fuat concluded, “Hopefully our new website for wholesale customers will be ready within 24 Months – a major leap, for domestic and international markets. Overall we see a fast growing ornamental horticulture and gardening industry in Turkey, but more well-thought out decisions are required to become more effective in the market place.” ||| For more information: Fuat.palanduz@cicekuretim.com.tr

>>>

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Auctions (2) Plantion sues FloraHolland Dutch flower auction, Plantion, last month announced that it has filed legal suit against FloraHolland for contract breach. Both independent auction have been together for over twenty years and an agreement for cooperation and exchange of miscellaneous services provided by both parties was signed on January 8th.

The agreement allowed so-called guest- members to sell their products on both market places and promoted common interest which in turn strengthened the market share of both parties.

Plantion entered into a binding cooperation agreement with FloraHolland and are seeking to have that agreement honored, said the auction in an official statement.

"Our request to the court is that FloraHolland should respect the rules and that the binding agree-

ment we signed with FloraHolland be honored."

According to Plantion, the contract breach has everything to do with the organisation’s refusal to merge with FloraHolland. Spooked by a multi layered, enormously complex behemoth of a business in which costs keep rising, margins keep shrinking Plantion’s board of directors and its members declined the merger offer last February. By dissolving the partnership FloraHolland is now pressuring Plantion to

finally accept the merger proposal.

FloraHolland has yet to publically respond to the Plantion lawsuit.

The court case is set for May 31th.

Plantion is a powerful cooperative which emerged after the merger of the former Veiling Oost Nederland (VON) and Veiling Vleuten on January 1st, 2008. Plantion has generated a record turnover of €114.4 million for the year 2011, an increase of 9 percent compared to the previous year. |||

Aucnet sees decrease in turnover Official figures from the Auction Association Japan reveal that Japan hosts over 140 flower auctions. A relatively newcomer is Aucnet, which has been selling flowers through digital internet auctions for 13 years.

Aucnet’s Susumu Ozaki said that their 2011 turnover was €6.55 million due to the mounting financial crisis. In 2010 and 2009, Aucnet reported respectively a € 7.04 mil-

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

lion and a €6.28 million turnover.

“We estimate our growth will be back on track with a predicted €7.50 million turnover for 2012.

Meanwhile, we have planned

to unroll our digital network to Asian countries in the future,” said Susumu Ozaki. |||

FloraHolland reports good financial year In 2011, FloraHolland saw its turnover increasing to €4,15 billion (+0.7% compared to 2010) while its profit level reached €12 million (€11million in 2011). Together with growers, traders, wholesalers and exporters, the auction sold more than 12.5 billion flowers and plants in 2011. (+2.5%) .

The presentation of FloraHolland’s financial results is always a remarkable event. Remarkable in the sense that the well-being of the cooperative FloraHolland doesn’t automatically reflect the wellbeing of its members. The results of the auction highly depend on the turnover, provisions and levies along with other activities in the field of logistics and real estate.

Activities which in the Annual Report and Accounts are normally hidden under the mysterious ‘miscellaneous’ word.

Volatile economy

“Despite the volatile economy and the mounting financial crises, FloraHolland can look back on a good year,” said Mr Timo Huges, CEO FloraHolland.

For the auction members, Huges painted a mixed picture with flower growers seeing their average prices decrease by 2,1% while the producers of bedding plants faced even more disappointing results with average prices plummeting by 5.3%. The good news is that the potted plant growers received a 3.1% higher price for their products.

Off to a good start

FloraHolland’s financial director, Mr Erik Leeuwaarden added that 2012 is off to a good start and that the price setting over the first 20 weeks (until May 21) of 2012 is much better when compared to 2011.

Needless to say that these first twenty weeks cover the most important peak sales season for our industry including a series of holidays and the largest part of the bedding plant season (running from Valentine’s Day, Easter to Mother’s Day). Prices for cut flowers increased by 8.8% when compared to 2011, potted plants prices increased by 4% and also

bedding plants performed much better than last year with a 2.1% price increase. Germany, United Kingdom and France ranked among the most important export destinations for Dutch flowers and plants.

Trends

Mr Huges spotted five important trends: further internationalisation of the business, a 12% increase of international membership, more cooperation between growers to jointly market their products and an ongoing process of virtualization. Huges also mentioned PlantConnect.nl and the newly opened FloraHolland webshop

for Dutch florists, more tailor made solutions and the important investment in new digital clock sales systems. When asked about the future of the industry, Huges said he foresees more cooperation in the supply chain in terms of the establishment of consortiums where growers and FloraHolland team up to service retail customers with profitable flowers and plants.

Pre Auction Sales Programme

Dirk Hogervorst, manager clock and quality stressed that one of FloraHolland’s primary goals is to provide its customers with a strong clock sales system. Last month,

we launched a pre auction sales programme offering buyers the opportunity to purchase fresh cut flowers outside the official auction hours. Potential buyers can log in with a Pre Auction Sales account to browse the available assortment and purchase flowers against fixed prices set by the growers. Furthermore, we are currently adapting our website to mobile device and secondly special attention is given to promoting FloraHolland’s niche products.

The presentation ended with a clock buying contest between journalists. |||

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Protea In an age when professional life leads us all to be more and more specialised it is refreshing to meet an industry group which links openly across the entire value chain. The International Protea Association (IPA) met recently in Chile for their combined industry conference and research symposium.

International Protea industry collaborates in Chile

O

by Audrey Gerber

ver many years, bringing the commercial industry together with the research sector for formal presentations and practical field trips has fostered a trusting, interactive environment which encourages communication and collaboration within the international Protea community.

Formal presentations

The conference had 2 days of formal presentations in Santiago.

Dr Robyn McConchie of Sydney University and Chair of the ISHS International Protea Working Group (IPWG) was pleased to present to the meeting progress reports of Protea research funded

by the Dutch Board for Horticulture, the Productschap Tuinbouw.

In the short time since these funds were granted, results may already be showing a positive effect on quality of imports into Holland. Dr Lynn Hoffman of Stellenbosch University in South Africa presented her results of PT funded trials to solve problems of leaf blackening in Proteas, offering some very practical information to the growers in the audience about how time of harvesting flowers affects post harvest quality.

Field trips

Conference convenor, Dr Eduardo Olate.

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Field trips took delegates to agricultural regions north and south of the capital city. Early developments of the Protea industry in these regions in 2000 were partly funded by the Fundaci贸n Innovaci贸n Agraria (FIA). Mr Rene Martorell of FIA was pleased that delegates had the opportunity to see the progress made by this emerging industry,

Conference delegates visit a newly established Protea farm.

IPA Conference delegates.

with grower confidence illustrated by recent plantings of new, superior varieties. One such variety, a crisp white Protea cynaroides, ‘Arctic Ice’ was the focus of discussion between growers and the breeder, Mr Geoff Jewell of Te Horo Nursery in New Zealand. ‘Arctic Ice’ is distributed under license by Future Fynbos, a product development company based in South Africa. Mr Hans Hettasch, one of the directors of Future Fynbos, was on hand to assist with queries for extended plantings of this and other new varieties protected by plant variety rights.

Global production

Over the last few decades demand for Proteas from global markets

has been satisfied by production in South Africa, Australia and USA (California and Hawaii).Current figures report approximately 900ha of production in South Africa and 200ha in California. No reliable statistics are available for production areas in Australia. Protea are the dominant product, followed by Leucadendron and then Leucospermum. New areas of production take advantage of the strongly seasonal nature of these woody perennials to extend supply periods. European production comes from Portugal (160ha on the mainland and in Madeira and Açores) and Spain (Canary Islands, 65ha), and flowers are picked counter-seasonal to Australia and South Africa. Likewise,

Researchers Dr Robyn McConchie of Sydney University and Dr Lynn Hoffman of Stellenbosch discuss flowering mechanisms in Waratah.

production in South America balances supply from USA. Current production in Chile is small, yet improvements in infrastructure and logistics are encouraging for growth. The newest regions to develop are Ecuador, Peru and Columbia. Unlike other established floricultural crops characterised by high volumes and low prices, the Protea industry relies on premium prices for targeted volumes of speciality products. Some success is already apparent, yet industry knowledge of plant performance in response to temperature and daylength is being challenged in these equatorial regions. |||

Key note speaker, Mr Dick Houter.

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World News United States

Expand your market at the OFA Short Course Each summer thousands of industry professionals from across the world come to Columbus, Ohio, USA to attend the OFA Short Course – horticulture’s premier convention and marketplace in the United States. The event, to be held July 14-17, attracts visitors from more than 20 countries to see the latest in horticulture. The OFA Short Course has been named the 150th largest trade show by the annual edition of Trade Show News Network.

Meet with horticulture’s top suppliers, growers and retailers at the trade fair.

This is your chance to see what’s available so you can make the right buying decisions. Ranked as one of the largest 200 trade fairs in North America, the OFA Short Course has been the place to do business for horticulture companies, and this year is no exception.

More than 550 companies in 1,500+ exhibit booths will showcase the latest innovations in production, packaging, sales techniques, marketing, and customer service – all in one location, for those at all levels within their business.

Learn from the best in business in the more than 130 hands-on workshops, tours, and engaging networking sessions. Companies of all sizes will benefit from the educational sessions that have been designed to give you an edge on the competition. Industry leaders will share the latest trends and solutions to help your business succeed.

There are tracks of education devoted to garden center operators, growers, interior plantscapers, florists, marketers,

OFA sells out Even with increasing the square footage of exhibition space in the Columbus Convention Center, the OFA Short Course trade show is sold out and a waiting list has been established. More than 550 companies will occupy nearly 1,500 exhibit spaces in the 7-acre trade show.

“The trade show brings buyers and sellers together in an affordable location to make business connections, to share ideas, and to work together for mutual success.

We expanded the trade show floor because more companies wanted to exhibit, or current exhibitors needed to expand,” said Michael V. Geary, CAE, OFA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We see this as a sign of increasing confidence in the economy and the health of our industry.

Furthermore, Short Course is the first event of the year that will showcase new plant varieties, and products and services. People want to attend because it’s a premier trade show that has everything you need for your business in one place; and it’s a great place to exhibit because this is where the industry comes to do business.”

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

managers, and young professionals.

The OFA Short Course is where the industry showcases its newest items.

Get a sneak peek at new plant introductions and new product sure to excite consumers and drive business. This is a chance to get a jump on the competition and head home for new ideas.

For many, the greatest source of inspiration is their peers, learning how other businesses are conquering current challenges and preparing for the future. From town hall meetings and idea exchanges to standing in line for lunch, networking opportunities abound at the OFA Short Course. With so many industry professionals gathered in one place inspiration can be found around every corner at the OFA Short Course.

The approximately 9,000 exhibitors and attendees that will fill the trade show floor and session halls of the 2012 OFA Short Course are the best and brightest the industry has to offer.

You’ll have an opportunity to connect like never before, whether in panel discussions, hallway conversations, or after-hours networking events. This is the place real business is done and knowledge is gained, so make it your business to be there too.

Last month, the OFA Short Course has been named the 150th largest trade show by the annual edition of Trade Show News Network. The largest horticulture event for garden center retailers, greenhouse and nursery growers, landscapers, florists, and interior plantscapers, the show debuted on the list six years ago at #194.

Trade Show News Network monitors data from nearly 20,000 trade shows, exhibitions, public events, and conferences, and annually ranks the impact of trade shows by the net square footage of space sold.

“We are very proud to make the list again this year. The show gets better each year because OFA is committed to making the Short Course a high value event for both attendees and exhibitors.” said Michael V. Geary, CAE, OFA’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We are continually reminded that the OFA Short Course is the event to attend because it has everything you need for your business in one place.

There is something for all segments of the industry here.”

To learn more about the OFA Short Course, visit www.ofa.org/shortcourse |||

Certifiable in California

by John Ingwersen

Spain Iberflora open to collector’s plants The Iberflora fair’s interest in seeing every event related to the world of plants and flowers in the country and worldwide at first hand has prompted the management team to take a trip to Guipuzcoa to visit the 10th Feria de Plantas de Colección (Collectors’ Plants Fair).

There, the representatives of the upcoming edition of the International Plants and Flowers, Technology and Garden DIY Fair voiced their interest in adding a special area dedicated to the world of plant experts and collectors who are looking beyond aesthetics and innovation for added value in each of the specimens on show.

“It would be a real pleasure for us to be able to include an example of the fair that takes place in Aia in Guipuzcoa at our venue as fresh content that enhances the Iberflora offering, brings the collectors market to the professionals who visit our event and represents that select, élite segment of the ornamental horticulture industry,” explains Iberflora president Vicente Peris Alcayde.

Whilst the Iberflora management is studying this new possibility, the content of the 2012 edition of the fair is beginning to take shape. The programme of parallel events is set to be enhanced with exciting new initiatives including, amongst many others, a new products show in which exhibitors will ‘parade’ their latest innovations; floral art displays that will reveal the latest trends in the industry; a recreation of an urban kitchen garden, which will demonstrate society’s interest in living a healthy lifestyle, and an example of an ideal garden centre. |||

The little guy I’m an American. And no, contrary to popular opinion in many parts of the world, that isn’t some form of exotic disease wherein one runs around slobbering at the mouth and invading, poor, small defenseless countries that have a lot of oil. Most of us are actually pretty normal, reasonable folks who enjoy summertime bar-b-ques and a cold brew every now and then, along with the occasional drone strike on a suspected terrorist hideout in Yemen. Historically though, as a people we’ve had a collective tendency to root for the underdog, be a fan of the little guy. It is, or at least was, one of the common threads of being an American.

Ahem, please excuse me while I climb up on my soapbox. K, there we are.

Now if I may continue….

But somehow, someway, something has gone wrong with the myth. America is no longer about the little guy. It’s about Walmart, Home Depot, megabanks, mega-airlines, McDonalds. About efficiency this, economies of scale that. About having great selection, as long as it’s what’s offered to you. You’ll take it, and you’ll like it, thank you very much. It doesn’t seem like there’s much room for the little guy any more, and the nursery business is no exception. We have our own versions of ‘too big to fail’, e.g. Hines Nurseries (Chapter 11 for what? The 3rd time now? ) and Monrovia (banks into it for so many millions they lent it more so it wouldn’t go belly up last year). Then there’s Costa in Florida, doing an admirable job of becoming a dominating, vertically integrated industry behemoth.

Nope, it’s pretty tough being the little guy these days. Unlike Monrovia, which made poor inventory decisions following the onset of the financial crisis in 2007, most of us have had to get by on our wits, not on bank loans or Chapter 11 reorganizations. The little guy doesn’t get the opportunity to reorg, he gets liquidated. We consolidated, we trashed or blew out distressed inventory, we managed expenses (that should read, we cut staff and did the work of five ourselves), found every way we could to cut costs. We realigned inventory, adjusted production, you name it, we did it, and without much help. Sure, a line of credit would have been handy every now and then.

Being able to restructure short term debt would have been nice too. Lots of free cash flow sitting there, if only the banks were actually willing to listen, instead of giving traders on Wall Street those million dollar bonuses. Things are getting better now, but the road to improvement has been paved with the carcasses of a lot of little guys.

If you can detect a slight note of bitterness, you’d be right. I don’t like what I’ve seen happen, but then again, no one ever said life was fair. Maybe I’m more sad than anything else. It’s not easy watching something you grew up believing in disappear before your eyes, but change is part of life, and complaining about it isn’t the answer either. So, at the end of it all, I still believe in the little guy.

I have to, I’m one of them…

John Ingwersen graduated with a degree in marketing from Georgetown University in 1990, and founded Jungle Jack’s, Inc. in 1995. sales@junglejacksthailand.com

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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AGM I was invited to attend a conference hosted in the context of the Annual General Meeting by CIOPORA in Miami, Fl. on April 25, 2012.

CIOPORA has a loud bark but no need to bare its teeth

F

by William Armellini

or those of you who might not be familiar with this organization, CIOPORA is the international community of breeders of asexually reproduced ornamental and fruit varieties. The association, established in 1961, currently accounts for 129 members from 28 countries.

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Rarely would I be eager to attend a meeting that had anything to do with "asexuality" but in this case I was anxious to find out more.

The who's who of plant breeding

First of all who, not being professionally involved with ornamental and fruit crops, knew there was such an organization concerned solely about the rights of plant breeders? This is no small operation as it reaches across the globe with a membership list that is the who's who of plant breeding.

As I entered the meeting the first thing I noticed, as a Floridian, were all of those European men dressed in suits and ties. This is quite a contrast to the general laidback Miami style and certainly to those lounging at the pool just a few yards away. But after the first break there

was something else I noticed about this group, they were having fun!

I also noticed that the speakers knew many in attendance by first name. This confirmed to me that this was a friendly group of like minded folks eager to learn and share. I admit I do not know too much about this subject of breeder's rights but after a few hours I came away with a better understanding of the issues facing them. This business is more global than ever and the complexities of dealing in the politics of counties large and small and even some that just became countries, is complex to say the least.

This is really the strength of CIOPORA since they exist to bring the various parties and countries together to provide guidance, education and advocacy to those in the business of plant breeding.  |||

‘ We exist for advocacy, it is not about piracy’

Our correspondent, William Armellini sat down with the President of CIOPORA, Andrea Mansuino and asked a few questions.

Is CIOPORA a Dog with no teeth?

That is, an organization that can make noise but has no authority?

“CIOPORA has a loud bark but no need to bare its teeth. It is recognized by all major players and authorities such as UPOV, the USPTO and the CPVO.”

Does CIOPORA exist to fight plant piracy?

“No we exist for advocacy, it is not about piracy. There are pirates in every corner of the globe and they will always be around, but with education and

knowledge we can protect the rights of our members. We are people from the industry and we represent our members by using our collective strength to bring together the right players. We provide the forum and information with the knowledge that educated people make better decisions.”

Does China worry your members?

“As China has a vast number of growers and a very high production volume both in ornamentals and fruits, we certainly must be concerned about China and all of Asia for the IP compliance matter.

India is another big concern. However, we have begun to work with the governments of these countries and will continue to do so.”

Can DNA testing help identify protected products?

“The short answer is no. The ground work is being laid to use these new technologies and at some point I am sure this will help with the identification and verification process.”

What is the biggest reason that all breeders are not members of CIOPORA?

“Apathy! The cost is an issue for some others. In general many are farmers and innovators busy doing what they like best - creating new plants.” |||

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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AGM The Americas’ IP revisited Left to right, Michel Cormier, Canadian Plant Variety Office, Dr. Robert Jondle, Jondle & Associates, Peter Button - Vice Secretary-General of UPOV, Kitisri Sukhapinda – USPTO, Andrea Mansuino, Michelle Bos - Michelle Bos Legal LLC, Edgar Krieger, Augusto Solano - President of Asocolflores and Travis D. Boone - Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC.

Left to right Jan de Riek and Bart Kiewit.

The 2012 CIOPORA AGM Week was extraordinary in many regards: the intensive educational programme provided by the association for the members, the exotic setting and the spectacular venues – all of these made the 2012 AGM very special for the CIOPORA community.

The main focus of the week was also of a particular character. As the President of the association, Mr Andrea Mansuino emphasized in his welcome speech at the AGM on April 24, this year CIOPORA went to USA pursuing two goals: to increase the visibility of the association and its activities beyond the big pond as well as to provide the members with an update on the latest developments of IP protection for plant innovation in the U.S. and the Americas in general.

Organisational matters

The AGM itself focused on organisational matters with a new contribution scheme and fee levels being approved by the members. Furthermore, the reports on the latest developments of the CIOPORA Working groups were delivered. Jan de Riek, chairman of the Working Group on Molecular Techniques, informed the meeting about the intention of the group to initiate a CIOPORA driven molecular marker project. Lars Henriksen, chairman of the Working Group on DUS, made an announcement about the intention of

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Left to right, Dr Edgar Krieger, Augusto Solano and Andrea Mansuino.

his group to put a new paper on DUS on vote at the AGM 2013.

IP Conference

During the International IP Conference on April 25, speakers from the U.S., Canada and South America continued informing the attendees about the important IP protection matters in their countries. Mrs. Kitisri Sukhapinda from the USPTO kindly overtook the role of the chairwoman of the conference.

The morning session of the IP Conference was dedicated to the IP topics in the U.S., such as novelties brought to

the Plant Patents by the America Invents Act. The afternoon session covered issues of IP protection in UPOV, Latin America and Canada.

Of a special significance for CIOPORA were the presence and the presentations given by the President of ASOCOL­ FLORES, Mr. Augusto Solano and by a representative of EXPOFLORES, Mr. Remigio Davalos. Both speakers emphasized the high significance of plant innovation and its effective protection for the successful development of the horticultural sector in Columbia and Ecuador, countries with a leading position in the world’s floricultural production and export.

by William Armellini

Miami

Gold in the Old Ever wonder why so many American wholesale florists were traditionally located in the least desirable areas around our major cities? My involvement in our family trucking business gave me the rare opportunity to visit many of these buildings.

Assuming I could find them, I often looked over my shoulder, just to be sure I was not about to become one of the neighborhood’s latest victim.

Prior to GPS devices, being smart enough to find these wholesale florists was a traveling salesmen's best-selling asset.

Meilland’s Bruno Etavard (left) and Carlos Godinho, Vice-President of the CPVO.

Company tours

The presentations by the representatives of growers from the Latin America had heralded the shift of the events’ focus from IP matters towards the producers of horticultural crops who hosted the CIOPORA group during the company tours on April 26. More than 40 participants received a unique possibility to visit the logistic center of Esmeralda Farms, the family owned and driven 600 ha premises of Costa Farms, and Kerry’s Bromeliads, which apart from being one of the leading growers of orchids in the area has developed its own breeding programme.

Special guests

The CIOPORA AGM Week 2012 in Miami became another successful attempt of the association to unite all the parts of production chain behind the idea of value and the necessity of a strong protection of plant innovation. The presence of the special guests from USPTO, UPOV, CPVO, ASOCOLFLORES and EXPOFLORES emphasized the strength of CIOPORA’s position in its relations with governmental and intergovernmental bodies, as well as with the associations of the leading growers of the market. CIOPORA is looking forward to further successful cooperation and knowledge exchange with breeders, growers and authorities from the Americas and other continents. |||

I recall one truck driver revealed his secret weapon to deal with local kids who jumped in the trailer as it was backing in with the doors open.

Before he could even realized what was going on, these kids were tossing out boxes before he reached the loading dock. So he began carrying rolls of pennies and tossed them out the window to divert the kid’s attention away from the open trailer doors. As the story goes the kids got wise pretty quick to the sound of pennies and so later the driver started throwing out nickels, dimes and eventually quarters.

Questioning wholesale owners about their location, many related the same story which helped me understand why anybody would run a business from these “interesting” places. It seems that originally the business was situated in a nice location inside the heart of the city.

But as the city grew, their location became better suited for retail than wholesale trade where big, noisy trucks were coming and going at all hours. So many wholesale florists sold their buildings in town and moved to the industrial sections better suited to their commercial operations. In fact this frequently was a boom to the business, giving them fresh cash and the ability to create office and warehouse spaces better suited to their company.

Fast forward 20 years. Today these wholesale florists find themselves in areas which are no longer new. And lately new commercial buildings are going up even further out of town and often located on new highways giving them better access to a wider range of areas they can service. Plus the value of their old commercial properties has often shylocked because of their location.

So now what? Sell again and move? I’m sure that this story of the American wholesale florist evolution has played out in cities across the globe. So I guess if you can't make it selling flowers, that old building might just become your retirement nest egg.

William Armellini. Editor Flowersandcents.com Williee@williee.com

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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World News

Brazil Brasilia to host 6th edition of SEST Embrapa Hortaliças and the International Society for Horticultural Science has announced the 6th International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops (SEST2012) which is set to be held at the Royal Tulip Brasilia Alvorada hotel in Brasilia from July 1-5, 2012.

It is well known that Brazilian agricultural sciences played a prominent role in turning Brazil into a world leader in tropical agriculture. In the 6th most important economy in the world, horticultural science has surely taken a part in this accomplishment. Still, there are several challenges to be faced - producing enough food that meets quality and safety standards for a growing world population; using finite natural resources more efficiently; coping with acidic soils; adapting horticulture to a changing climate... In other words, the challenge of developing a truly sustainable and productive horticulture that can thrive in a changing world, as the theme of the symposium makes clear.

Brazil, due to its continental size and its

ecological and climatic diversity, is a natural laboratory for evaluating the problems and developing the solutions for tropical and

The Netherlands Mr VKC receives gold pin as he retires Gerard de Wagt had his retirement party at the Keukenhof on Friday May 11, 2012.

The permanent judging committee,VKC treated him to a spectacular event including speeches, toasts and a tulip name giving ceremony by Mr VKC himself.

Meanwhile, the VKC, the leading Dutch organisation dedicated to judging and registering ornamental crops, announced that their retiring colleague had been awarded the VKC Gold Pin. De Wagt has received the Gold Pin Award for his dedication, enthusiasm and commitment as coordinator product judging, a task which he has fulfilled since 1979.

Earlier this year, Mr Rob van der Voort succeeded Gerard de Wagt. |||

PLANT INVIGORATOR The Environmentally Friendly Pesticide, Mildewcide & Growth Stimulant Safe for Birds & Bees

www.sbpi.co.uk

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Physical Mode of Action

subtropical horticulture. For those unfamiliar with the tropics, this will be an excellent opportunity to know the unique problems faced by tropical horticultural sciences and the solutions found to those problems, and also to share their thoughts and findings for the tropics and other regions of the world.

As the event will take place at an intermediary ecosystem, the Brazilian savannah, known locally as "the Cerrado", which shares some features with other tropical ecosystems such as the African savannah and is also the main agricultural frontier in Brazil, delegates will have a chance to know different systems of seed and transplant production besides stand establishment, for various crops and in distinct situations that are typical of Brazilian horticultural production.

On behalf of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), the SEST2012 organizers would like to invite professionals and students from around the world to attend our meeting presenting their findings, exchanging ideas and information, and helping to make this a more sustainable horticulture for a world that lives in constant change.

Alison Takazaki, Daniel S. Kirschbaum, Oliveiro B. Bassetto Junior, Celso Luiz Moretti Denise Cunha Fernandes Dias, Rumy Goto, Mark Alan Bennett, Zhilong Bie, Daniel J. Cantliffe, Francisco Pérez-Alfocea, Samuel Contreras and Steven P. C. Groot are among the confirmed speakers. |||

Prices

World News Canada

Bill Reid, a Rose for the 21st Century

FloraHolland clock sales 2012

Category Cut Flowers

New for 2012, from the breeding work of Dr. Campbell Davidson, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and selected by Canadian rose industry specialists, we have the Bill Reid rose.

21st Century roses like Bill Reid take very little effort to grow and produce flowers over and over throughout the summer. The flower colour doesn’t fade and the leaves stay healthy. This rose will fit right in with other flowers and shrubs in the landscape bed and is small enough to go into patio pots.

Bill Reid rose maintains its vibrant yellow blooms, even in the height of the summer sun. Hardy to Zone 3, this rose takes the cold and is disease resistant. Like many fondly remembered roses, it is fragrant. Bill Reid rose grows 90cm (35”) high and 70cm (28”) wide with a bushy habit. The flowers are larger and more abundant than the Morden Sunrise rose and repeat throughout the season.

Bill Reid rose, Rosa ‘CA33’, is the third in the series of Canadian Artists® Roses, joining Emily Carr and Félix Léclerc. One of Canada’s foremost artists, Haida artist Bill Reid (1920-1998), was an outstanding gold and silversmith turned sculptor.

He was proclaimed a National Living Treasure and was instrumental in inspiring people to reclaim their cultural heritage. Rosa ‘CA33’ is protected by Canadian Plant Breeders’ Right (PBR) and US Plant Patent. Propagation allowed only with permission from CNLA (Canadian Nursery & Landscape Association).

Find out more about Canadian Artists® Roses by visiting www.canadianartistsroses.com |||

Product Rose large Tulipa single flowered Chrysanthemum. Spray Lilium oriental Gerbera mini Rosa sweetheart Chrysanthemum disbudded Cymbidium large Freesia single-flowered Chrysanthemum santini Gerbera large-flowered Rosa spray Alstroemeria Paeonia lactiflora Hydrangea

Total Top 15 Indoor Plants

Weeks 1 to 20 Quantity % 12:11 Price 2012 Price 2011 830,541,434 -8.7 0.27 0.26 779,171,262 0.1 0.12 0.12 263,070,904 -5.5 0.33 0.29 32,413,647 -8.7 0.86 0.77 185,980,202 3.7 0.14 0.12 81,750,437 -27.2 0.13 0.12 47,028,035 -7.3 0.56 0.44 5,063,699 -18.2 3.17 2.56 59.311.566 -20.1 0.19 0.16 52,365,152 -20.0 0.27 0.19 38,662,420 -14.5 0.24 0.20 34,174,641 -7.4 0.33 0.27 49.182.320 -15.7 0.21 0.17 12.321,309 -55.2 0.76 0.38 4,589,322 -12.6 1.17 0.92 2,475,626,350 -7.1 0.24 0.22

Phalaenopsis

7,561,081

1.6

3.85

Kalanchoe

8,944,159

-22.7

0.77

0.62

Total Top 10

6,178,665 4,281,212 2,475,461 3,004,855 2,180,260 803,964 2.042.502 1,094,365 38,566,524

-24.8 -22.6 -15.9 -14.7 -26.6 -30.4 3.4 -18.8 -11.2

1.07 1.47 2.92 2.26 2.03 2.51 1.21 1.02 1.89

1.14 1.32 2.80 2.07 1.76 2.13 1.27 1.00 1.73

Garden Plants Bedding plants misc.

Pelargonium Trees, shrubs, climbing plants Hydrangea Petunia Total Top 5

6,741.871 4,869,122 706,807 589,213 4,297,784 17,204,797

-9.3 -18.3 -14.6 14.9 -10.9 -11.9

0.19 0.53 3.51 2.93 0.49 0.59

0.21 0.47 3.86 2.76 0.50 0.57

Rosa Bromelia Anthurium Hydrangea Ficus Zantedeschia Campanula Pelargonium

3.77

Source FloraHolland

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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example, our recently launched Limonica and Swirski-Mite

healthy flowers and plants; natural enemies and microbials

LD are very effective products against thrips and whitefly

to prevent and control pests and diseases. Continuous

infestations. Visit www.koppert.com for the location of your

research – in cooperation with growers – has resulted in

nearest sales outlet for Koppert biological control products.

innovative and effective solutions for almost every crop. For

Natural progression with Koppert.

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World News

Happy Gardening

by Anthony Tesselaar

Sun, sand and blue, blue water Greetings from Miami Florida where business took us a few weeks back.

And I have to say that while we were there, did our work and stayed focused, the place itself worked a special form of magic upon us. I think I've worked out how, and if I'm right it means I'm recreating some of the same sparkle dust wherever I happen to be. Let me explain.

The Netherlands Corn. Bak turns to landfill gas for renewable energy Corn. Bak, one of the largest Bromeliad growers and breeders in the world and 2011 Horti Fair Innovation Award winner, will soon be meeting 25 to 30% of its energy needs with landfill gas.

The 3 ha production facilities at Corn. Bak B.V. of climate-controlled greenhouses are opportunely located next to the massive Nauerna municipal landfill of Assendelft, near Amsterdam. A project to use natural gas created by decomposition of trash and other organic waste and to bolster Corn. Bak’s green image.

The harvested methane gas is burned in large boilers at the landfill and warm water is consequently transported via a 1.7km insulated pipeline to the Bak greenhouses.

Assendelft’s alderman, Mr R.J. Linnekamp officially launched the newly build beneficial use system at Corn. Bak on May 8th. |||

We stayed in a hotel on the beach front with only the coastal planting and a boardwalk between us and an astonishing strip of snow-white sand and water I can't possibly do justice to with mere words. The setting is so lovely that it was a privilege to be a part of it. And we knew it. Each morning my wife Sheryl, Phillip our co-worker and I would walk the five kilometres to our favourite breakfast spot - along that walkway soaking up our setting. And it turned out to be a blessed time where everything went well. At the risk of sounding like an old hippie, the positive energy was high and it clearly had a great deal to do with our setting.

Think of it this way. Miami, like many places around the world, had been hit hard by the Global Financial Crisis so that while it is now in recovery mode – building projects that had been stopped have now started up again it still has some less positive areas. Each morning we gravitated to the beach walkway, both to and from breakfast. And this is odd, because usually when we travel, we like to vary our walks in the interests of discovery. However, in this instance it was as if we instinctively chose to feast our senses on the cleansing and invigorating beach environment, and avoid the more confronting landscape set a block or so back from the beach.

My magic theory is this. We can control of how we feel if we realise that our setting has a big influence. In our case, while we were in Miami, we recharged and prepared our heads for work each day by instinctively taking ourselves to a simple, basic natural setting. For each of us it was a case of being out in the sun, the wind and the water. Everything there is simple and good. On the other hand, if we hadn't been so fortunate in where we were staying, we'd have been exposed to the usual hustle and bustle and I do wonder if the outcome would have been as ideal.

Obviously I can't duplicate the Miami beachfront, at least not literally.

Instead I've been experimenting with choosing equivalent simple and good places - the walk around the lake near where I live, even the sunny spot outside my back door when time is tight. My theory is that the magic works as long as you feel relaxed, safe and happy. And after a bout of that state-ofmind I am convinced solutions are much more easily identified. Go on - try it.

Anthony Tesselaar hails from Anthony Tesselaar International, an international project management company dealing in plants, horticultural research & development and strategic water management. www.tesselaar.com / ATesselaar@tesselaar.com

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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A choice for growth. Achieving more in the shortest time and offering an excellent worldwide back-up service.

www.javo.eu Javo, PO Box 21, 2210 AA Noordwijkerhout, Holland Tel. +31 252 343 121, Fax. +31 252 377 423 Javo U.S.A. Inc., 1900 Cobb Intl Blvd, Kennesaw, GA 30152, U.S.A. Tel: +1 7704284491, Fax: +1 7704246635 Divine, dwarf Plumeria rubra

International Events June 2012 3 to 8. Sweden International Peat Congress in the City Conference convention centre in Stockholm. www.ipc2012.se 3 to 8. Argentina Iberiada, gathering of international floral design schools. www.alyrofloralevents.com 12 to14. Belgium TOC Container Supply Chain Europe at the Antwerp Expo, Belgium. The event includes 2-day high-level container supply chain conference, free-to-attend port operations and technology seminars, a major exhibition of port and terminal services, equipment and technology, and industry networking receptions. www.tocevents-europe.com 12-15. The Netherlands/Germany Flower Trials in the Aalsmeer, Westland and Rheinland Westfalen (Germany) areas. www.flowertrials.nl 19 to 22. United States International Floriculture Expo June at Miami Beach, FL www.floriexpo.com 21 June. United States Darwin Perennial Day,West Chicago, IL www.darwinperennials.com 26 to 27. United Kingdom National Plant Show at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry.

T (44) 118 930 3132 F (44) 118 932 3453 enquiries@nationalplantshow.co.uk www.nationalplantshow.co.uk 27 June. United States 11th Annual Dallas Arboretum Plant Trials Field Days in Dallas, TX. www.dallasfieldtrials.org July 2012 1 to 5. Brazil VI International Symposium on Seed, Transplant and Stand Establishment of Horticultural Crops at the Royal Tulip Brasilia Alvorada hotel in Brasilia. www.sest2012.com 4 to 10. United States 2012 Perennial Plant Symposium in Boston, MA. www.perennialplant.org

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5 to 6. France International Hydrangea Conference in the Terra Botanica botanical garden in Angers.

T (33) 2 41 79 14 17 g.bousseau@bhr-vegetal.com www.hydrangea2012.com 12 to 16. United States American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium "Caliente" at the Hyatt Regency in Miami.

T (1) 410-752-3318 F (1) 410-752-8295 aifd@assnhqtrs.com www.aifd.org 14 to 17. United States OFA Short Course at the Columbus Convention Centre in Ohio. www.ofa.org 16 to 20. Germany 7th International Symposium on the Irrigation of Ornamental Crops at the Campus in Geisenheim. www.irrigation2012.de 16 to 20. China International conference on germplasm of ornamentals at the Beijing Xijiao Hotel (No.18 Wangzhuang Road, Haidian District, Beijing). www.flora2012.org 31 July to 2 August. United States Penn Atlantic Nursery Trade Show PANTS at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Centre in Oaks. www.pantshow.com August 2012 16-19. United States Nursery Landscape Expo at the George R. Brown convention centre in Houston. www.txnla.org 18 to 21. Russia Sibflowers 2012. Exhibition of flowers, landscape design and garden art at the IEC Novosibirsk Expocentre in Novosibirsk, Russia.

T (7) 383 363-00-63, 363-00-36, ext. 297 kuruskanova@sibfair.ru www.sibflower.sibfair.ru/eng 21-22. Belgium Florall Autumn Fair, Flanders Expo, Ghent.

T (32) 9 241 5091 F (32) 9 241 5095 info@florall.be www.florall.be 21-23. United States The Independent Garden Center Show at the Navy Pier in Chicago. www.igcshow.com

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

22-25. The Netherlands Plantarium, Boskoop. info@plantarium.nl www.plantarium.nl 23-26. United States Aquascape, Inc. sets the date for its 12th anniversary of Pondemonium®, the water garden industry's premiere business and networking event. From August 23rd to 26th, distributors, contractors, and retailers can attend Aquascape's training event designed to help grow their water feature businesses. Held in St. Charles, Illinois, Pondemonium® will dovetail with the Independent Garden Center Show in Chicago, allowing participants the opportunity to attend both events. Planning is currently underway for 2012 Pondemonium® events and seminars. www.pondemonium.com 23-25. United States Farwest Show at the Oregon Convention Center and organised by the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

T (1) 800 342 6401 F (1) 503 682 5099 info@oan.org www.farwestshow.com 24-26. Poland 20th edition of Green is Life with a focus on nursery stock and gardening.

Agnieszka.zukowska@zszp.pl www.greenislife.pl 29 August to 1 September. Russia Flowers IPM 2012. www.flowers-ipm.com September 2012 5-7. Russia Expo Flora Russia at the Gostiny Dvor exhibition centre in Moscow.

T (31) 20 66 22 482 F (31) 20 67 52 326 manelja@hpp.nl www.expoflorarussia.com 10-13. Russia FlowersExpo 2012 at the Crocus Expo in Moscow.

T (7) 495 221 1251 Cell phone (8) 915 185 7903 mail@flowers-expo.ru www.flowers-expo.ru 13-15. Italy Flormart at the PadovaFiere convention centre in Padua, Northern Italy.

T (39) 049 84011 flormart@padovafiere.it www.flormart.it

19-21. Thailand Landscape Asia at the Impact Exhibition Center in Bangkok.

Guru.prasath@informa.in www.landscape-asia.com 21 to 23. Hungary The 19th edition of Hortus Hungaricus. This exhibition is one of the most important horticultural events in Central-Eastern Europe.

T +36 24 550 550 F +36 24 550 551 info@hortushungaricus.hu www.hortushungaricus.hu 23 to 27. Argentina The XXXV Congress on Argentine Horticulture at the Gran Hotel Guarani in Corrientes, Argentina.

Organised by the industry body ASAHO, the Argentine association of horticulture, the event will be an excellent occasion to network with prestigious national researchers, growers, consultants and companies. publiasaho@gmail.com www.horticulturaar.com.ar 26 to 29. Turkey Florplant, ornamental plants and landscaping trade show at the Cam Piramit convention centre in Antalya, Turkey.

T (90) 242 323 5110 F (90) 242 323 5111 info@agoras.com.tr www.florplant.org October 2012 3 to 5. Spain Iberflora, the international plants and flowers, technology and garden DIY trade show at the Feria Valencia convention centre. http://iberflora.feriavalencia.com/ iberflora 3 to 6. Ecuador FlorEcuador – Agriflor 2012, Quito, Ecuador www.hppexhibitions.com 30 October to 2 November.

The Netherlands Horti Fair at the RAI convention centre in Amsterdam.

T (31) 297-344033 F (31) 297-326850 info@hortifair.nl www.hortifair.nl 31 October to 2 November.

The Netherlands International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) at the Expo Haarlemmermeer convention centre in Vijfhuizen, The Netherlands.

T (31) 20 662-2482 F (31) 20 675-2326 Manelja@hpp.nl www.hppexhibtions.com

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Automation Javo, a leading supplier of potting machines for the ornamental horticulture has launched an advanced potting machine, the Javo Evolution.

Javo launches next generation potting machines J

avo is the developer and manufacturer of top quality, horticultural machinery ‘Made in Holland’. The firm comes up with daily solutions to problems, supplies various systems, and provides effective after-care. About 40 years ago, the Javo standard was the first potting machine in Javo’s programme. Over 15.000 Javo Standard machines were sold worldwide. Until today, this potting machine has been used to pot plants automatically.

Revolutionary innovation

by Jehan Daal

Javo has improved it’s well known potting machine and developed the Javo Evolution. The Javo Evolution is the new generation of the Javo Standard potting machine.

This revolutionary innovation has

over fifteen advantages compared to the reliable Javo Standard and is suitable for almost any type of horticultural business and soil mix.

And last, but not least, it has a fresh and modern look.

Partner in growing

As partner in growing, Javo is always trying to improve its potting machines. The Javo Evolution has a complete new soil supply conveyor, which provides extra durability and a silent machine. The drive belt takes care of an optimal soil supply. During the development of this machine, Javo paid a lot of attention to employee comfort and safety. The Evolution is extra safe, because the moving parts are covered. The machine is not only safe, but also very user-friendly.

The different parts are easily and quickly adjustable as well as the speed of the machine.

Some other advantages of the Javo Evolution: • energy savings up until 40%, because of the new energy saving drive • a new ergonomic design Overall, the Javo (R)Evolution is considered as the perfect combination of 40 years of experience, ergonomic and a modern & fresh look!

OFA Short Course

The Javo U.S.A. team welcomes you at the OFA Short Course, booth number 2701. Please ask for our OFA show specials and come and see the high quality and good priced Javo Quickfiller flat filling machine.

Javo’s sales representative Lorenzo Russo and the new general manager of Javo U.S.A., Michiel van der Waal, will be available for you. For Peter van Stein, this will be his last OFA exhibition before retiring in February 2013. Peter, Lorenzo and Michiel are looking forward to meeting you! ||| For more information: www.javo.eu or contact Javo, Westeinde 4, PO Box 21, 2210 AA Noordwijkerhout, Holland, Tel. +31 252 343 121, Fax. +31 252 377 423

Javo Evolutions in seven different versions, suitable for seven different customers.

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Javo U.S.A. Inc., Kennesaw, GA 30152, United States.

Tel. +1 7704284491, Fax. +1 7704246635

World News

Russia Strong bookings for 2012 FlowersExpo FlowersExpo 2012, one of the leading international trade exhibitions on ornamental horticulture and gardening, is set to be held at the Crocus convention centre in Moscow from September 10-13, 2012.

With less than four months to go, seventy companies from the Netherlands and Colombia have already booked their stand at the 2012 FlowersExpo. The event is set to be bigger and more international than ever.

The cut flower focused show will highlight the very latest introductions from the best of the worldwide flower and plant suppliers.

Event organizer, GreenExpo is delighted that both the Dutch Flower Council and Asocolflo-

res from Colombia have preferred FlowersExpo above the competing flower trade shows Flowers IPM and Expo Flora Russia that will be held over the first three weeks of September 2012. |||

Belgium Conventionally-bred plants should be exempt from patents, say MEPs The European Parliament wants to protect European breeders from excessive patent protection, which it believes could stifle innovation and progress. In a non-binding resolution adopted on Thursday, May 11, it says products such as anti-carcinogenic broccoli or high-yield dairy cows, produced by conventional breeding techniques, should not be patented.

MEPs recognise that patents are an important tool for the transfer of technology but stress that “excessively broad patent protection can hamper innovation and progress and become detrimental to small and medium breeders by blocking access to animal and plant genetic resources”.

The non-legislative resolution was adopted.by 354 votes to 192, with 22 abstentions.

Parliament calls on the European Patent Office to exclude products derived from conventional breeding and all conventional breeding methods from patenting. It also wants the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the EU continues to exempt breeders from its patent law on plant and animal breeding.

MEPs remind the Commission of its duty to report annually “on the development and

implications of patent law in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering”, pointing out that it has not published any reports since 2005. They want the Commission's next report to examine the impact of the patenting of breeding methods on the breeding and food industry. |||

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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World News

Dutch Comfort

by Jaap N. Kras

Taboo United States Monterey Bay Greenhouse Growers announce Open House Mark your calendar for June 16 for the Monterey Bay Greenhouse Growers Tour where attendees can visit a cross-section of Monterey nursery operations including Succulent Gardens, Kitayama Brothers, Jacobs Farm, Four Winds Growers, California Pajarosa and California Floral Greens.

This year, at Kitayama Brothers there will be farm tours, an All-California flower display and the 2nd Annual Kitayama Cup Design Contest. New this year Alfaro and Storrs Winery are coming for wine tasting and wine and flower pairing. Kitayama will also have a farmers market of flowers, produce, plants, food, drink, etc to benefit “Santa Cruz State Parks”.

Monterey Bay Greenhouse Growers as it hosts the 3rd Annual Open House June 16, 2012. Meet your local flower farmer as you tour the aforementioned nurseries which will be providing family friendly tours showcasing various varieties of cut flowers, ornamental greens, edible flowers, and potted plants between 10am – 4pm. This one-day event provides you the opportunity to come out to the farm and learn first hand why California Flowers are America’s Flowers!

If you want to learn more about all the farms in this years open house go to: www.montereybayfarmtours.com |||

I come from a generation for whom talking about money and especially in public was a taboo. Today, I am part of a Dutch society where people deny their responsibility and the only concern seems to be the personal income.

Just watch or listen to a random selection of interviews with professors, police officers, artists or businessmen.

“Please allow me one important question Mr Professor”, says the interviewer.

“Your ideas cost so much money. Money the government is lacking. That’s’ not my problem”, the professor will reply to add that if he has to look for good education he clearly needs more money, from the government.

In turn, the policeman’s message will be more or less the same: he can only catch more criminals if the government gives him more money, while the hospital director will state that he can only cure patients if the government lends his sector more money. Meanwhile, nobody seems to care and even today we allow bankers to fill their pockets with public money.

Politicians, unable to find a solution sit, wait and shiver like scared rabbits caught in the headlights of an approaching car. So we will end up like Greece, Italy, Spain, the USA and all other western countries facing enormous deficits.

Nobody is willing to solve the problem because it is simply not in their personal interest (read: personal income).

How and when will our economies exploit? The bus is heading towards a precipice and behind the dead driver, passengers are arguing with each other about who will take over the steering wheel because nobody was taught to take responsibility.

Some people think democracy is the right to vote for your own leaders, to choose your own parliament and government. The United States of America have democracy in their genes and that’s why I love this country so much.

According to the Americans, democracy is the right to defend your self against an authority that is placed above you.

Guess what an employee will do if he had to choose between pleasing his boss and through that improving his salary and job or executing his primary task?

That’s why some people, like me, support small governments and small administrations, where you can find person responsible for taking decisions.

And not a society in which everybody explains that he does his work well but some one else has made a mistake, where people hide behind rules, systems or complex procedures.

At present, Holland counts many managing directors in house corporations, high schools, hospitals and all king of other public organisations. MD’s who earn sky high salaries and don’t perform well or not at all and steal public money. In the end they can only be replaced after being granted millions in compensation for their mismanagement or theft.

More and more we live in a country where the strongest is not necessarily the most physically strong, but the person who gains all the powers and is able to push the responsibilities to his subordinates or others. When I was young, the strongest banker had to deal with the biggest and most difficult clients. Today the strongest banker earns the highest salary!.

We as farmers are keen to maintain our own identity keeping both feet on the ground. The real problem is that although you don’t want to rely too much on the bank or the government, the bank and the government come to you to force you into their egoistic systems.

My suggestion would be keep the basic dream alive, stay suspicious to everything that comes from above or outside.

Jaap N. Kras jaap@floracultureinternational.com

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Flower Trials International breeding companies Royal Van Zanten, Danziger and Morel will provide valuable insights into current and future trends in floriculture at the upcoming Flower Trials which will held from June 12 to15, 2012. This year’s theme for the joint presentation is ‘Surprising Future’

Royal Van Zanten plans massive presence at Flower Trials

“B

reeders take pride in being one step ahead but this year we will take some extra steps. What will the ultimate Cyclamen look like in 30 years time? Perhaps they will be yellow coloured and 1 metre tall and, who knows, Holland-based growers by then will be able to produce pot mums in the colours of the Dutch flag” said event organiser, Isabel Groot.

A video on YouTube is aimed at arousing people’s curiosity regarding the celebrations taking place in the Rijshornstraat in Rijsenhout, the Netherlands.

Breeding breakthroughs

by Ron van der Ploeg

Of course, the exhibiting companies will reveal their latest breeding breakthroughs.

Royal Van Zanten, for example announces an extremely colourful

2012 by putting their line of Hot Topic pot celosias in the limelight.

This Celosia cristata series is available in purple, yellow and pink.

Additionally, they have added a bright red variety to their famous Princess Lilies® line.

Danziger will highlight their latest concept that includes black petunias with entirely new modern colour combinations for the garden while Morel will be announcing the launch of their first red Decora cyclamen with silvery leafs for outdoors.

One stop source

Isabel stressed that trial goers will benefit highly from the joint presentation of the three breeding firms. “They provide a one stop source for all bedding and garden plants.”

To cater to retail customer requests, the companies have created a

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

specialist retail corner to expose readily available retail plants. This is one of the reason the event is not to missed, For the moment we cross our fingers for some beautiful weather allowing visitors to enjoy a coffee in our show garden with vibrant summer colours. Our theme is Surprising Future, but regarding the weather, that really will remain a surprise.” |||

Automation Following the success of AGVs at a pepper and tomato greenhouse where an unmanned wheeldriven robot is able to find the specified destination through predetermined route by utilizing automatic guide devices and onboard sensors, Berg Hortimotive has now launched a new AGV which is designed to transport harvested gerberas in a commercial greenhouse environment.

Berg Hortimotive launches AGVs in Gerbera production A

part from the advantages of agility and intelligence, the Gerbera AGV represents the major benefit of leaving the central pathway clean, smooth and flat once the inductive wires have been mounted into the floor.

This is an important issue when it comes to food safety. Additionally, the system is also much easier to alter in the future when the routing changes! Stopping, slowing down, speeding up or positioning is exactly controlled by RFID-tags in the route.

Steering wheel

Building on the experiences in tomatoes and peppers, Berg Hortimotive replaced the guide bar construction at the front by a steering wheel underneath the vehicle. This steering wheel, guides the trolley over the induction wire.

To make the AGV suitable for both open and closed pipe rail system, the wheel can be completely withdrawn and pulled out. In addition, the electrical control- and operating panel are expanded. Besides the change in the steering technique, the appearance of the trolley has been modified. All these modifications have been engineered in close contact with the growers and also the manufacturer of the cultivation gutters. The smooth finish, we already know from the Benomic range, is again applied.

No crop damage

by Ron van der Ploeg

All this results in a completely new Gerbera AGV which is easy to clean and, most important, will not damage the crop. Furthermore, all extending components, such as wheels etc. are shielded, to protect the employees.

The growers who will be using the first series of AGVs, have chosen for an “harvest rack� with 48 vases.

Each vase is capable of buffering small bunches, of about 25 to 30 gerberas, reducing the risk of flower damage.

This solution also opens the way for extended automation between the AGV and the processing line.

To empty and clean the vases, the upper layer can be turned upside down. There will also be a watering

system in the packing hall to fill all the 48 vases automatically.

The prototype is built and heavily tested in practice. In the coming weeks the first series of AGVs will be supplied to our customers and put into operation.  ||| For more information about these or other products of Berg Hortimotive you can call us on 0031 174 51 77 00 or send an email to sales@berghortimotive.nl

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Keukenhof Keukenhof offered no less than sixteen indoor flower shows where breeders and professional growers were invited to take part in the VKC Quality Competition.

The shows provided the visitors an inspirational display of spring beauty with thousands of delightful flowers in vibrant colours.

An inspirational display of spring beauty Fragile Freesia steals firmly the show After a year with relatively strong demand in the first six months of 2011, the annual Freesia show returned to Keukenhof’s Oranje Nassau Pavilion with a retooled format in a romantic Chopin-like setting.

by Ron van der Ploeg

The show, under the guidance of floral designer Heleen Valstar, featured a mix of classic romance, knitwear trends and floral Easter arrangements, including newly hatched chicklets and pink feathers.

“This is a well-curated show which perfectly fits our Poland theme with the famous Polish pianist Chopin playing an important role”, said Piet de Vries, managing director of Keukenhof adding that he was delighted to see that the growers who were present had brought their partners. Chopin is synonym to romance so at this year’s Freesia Festival there is plenty of love in the air.”

Prize winners of the 2012 Keukenhof Freesia Show.

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

Dutch singer Hind.

With an estimated 100% of Dutch Freesia breeders and a 85% of Dutch Freesia growers participating, Keukenhof’s Freesia event is strongly supported by the sector.

“Over the last seven years, I was not only impressed by the quality of the show. It is also rewarding to see people as dedicated and enthusiastic as you,” said De Vries.

Currently, about 150ha of Dutch glasshouses are down to Freesias.

Twenty-five years ago, the area was three times as large. The trend to an even smaller area still continues, along with a decline in the number of growers. Mr Peet van Os, export manager at Dutch bulb supplier Van den Bos Flower Bulbs and chairman of the Dutch Freesia Promotion Organisation expressed his gratitude of having for the first time in history,

the entire Oranje Nassau Pavilion at his disposition and welcomed the presence of the florist Rozemarijn from Leiden, Pure Flowers from Poeldijk, Flora Project from Zoetermeer and Gouda-based JP Bloembinders who will collect valuable customer feedback as they will be working with Freesias during the entire Freesia Show which will run until April 2nd. Van Os announced that regarding promotion there will be an ongoing focus on the Russian market while this year his organisation will also unroll an impressive Freesia promotion campaign in his own home country, the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, the Keukenhof Freesia Festival has evolved into a powerful way of promoting Dutch Freesias competing for coveted awards in the VKC Quality Competition.

New lily honours the Dutch city of Alkmaar AZ Alkmaar coach Gertjan Verbeek has named a new OT lily by Mak Breeding to celebrate the football club’s links with its hometown, Alkmaar. The flower naming event which was held on Thursday May 11, 2012, marked the opening of the Keukenhof Lily Show which was held until the park’s closing date on May 20, 2012.

The lily show – arranged by floral designer Dorien van den Berg and featuring no less than 200 semi arches with the most stunning lily varieties - is the grand finale of the indoor exhibitions in the Willem Alexander Pavilion. Visitors to the

Name giving ceremony by AZ Alkmaar’s coach Gertjan Verbeek.

On the grower’s side, Keukenhof Awards were handed out to freesia nursery Molenakker from Brakel for its double flowered Freesia ‘Mandarine’. In the same category, but now for breeders, the first prize went to Freesia ‘Boulevard’ of P. Hofland from ‘s-Gravenzande.

In single Freesias, the Houwenplant/AllsenZa nursery took the first prize for its ‘Gold River’, while Van den Bos Freesia BV took the first prize in this category with Freesia ‘Albertville’. P. Hofland took the Best Stand Award, while Penning Freesia was presented with the Goemans Trophy for their stunning double white Freesia ‘Riga’.

Dutch singer Hind ended the evening by singing her own version of Madonna’s ‘La Isla Bonita’ and Alexis’ Jordan’s ‘Happiness’. |||

world’s most famous spring garden in Lisse will also find colourful, enchantingly exotic flower shows in the Oranje Nassau Pavilion and the Beatrix Pavilion. With both permanent and changing indoors shows, Keukenhof remains a unique floral experience right up to the last opening day.

By naming a new lily after the city of Alkmaar football coach Gertjan Verbeek is following a Keukenhof tradition of having famous sportsmen launching a new lily on the occasion of what is said to be the largest lily show in the world.

Skating stars Anni Friesinger, Ard Schenk and Marianne Timmer did so before.

The official flower naming event was conducted by Keukenhof chairman, Walter Jansen and managing director VKC, Mr Leo van der Zon who revealed the winners of the VKC quality competition.

In the Potted Lily Division, the

Originals from Noorden and Mak Breeding were crowned the winners with oriental lily ‘Reeleeze’ and the Asiatic, double flowered lily ‘Tiny Double You’.

The orange LA hybrid, ‘Barney’

by De Jong Lilies Holland scored 9.32 points and took the first prize. In the division Longiflorums and LO’s, lily firm Marklily was presented with the Trophy for its Lilium longiflorum ‘Watch Up’ , featuring beautifully upward facing blooms. In the Oriental division, the virgin white ‘Signum’ hailed a double success by winning the Keukenhof Trophy and the overall Best in Show Award.

Oriental lilies such as Signum make up the largest group in the current range. At Keukenhof this was demonstrated to the full by the many entries, which included several more novelties such as ‘White Spear’, ‘Hastings’, ‘Marlon’, ‘Indus’and ‘Joop’. |||

Meijer Roses wins Award for third year in a row Part of what Dutch breeding and Europe-wide marketing can offer to producers in other countries is events like the annual Keukenhof Rose Show. This year the show was held from April 5-10, 2012, a period that included the Easter weekend.

The Rose Show was held from the 5th to the 10th of April, a period that included the Easter weekend.

On April 4, 2012 the VKC revealed the winners of the 2012 Rose Quality Competition.

In the category Breeders, Scheurs Holland was presented with the Keukenhof Award for its ‘White Naomi’ rose (total score: 9.40 points). On the growers side, Meijer Roses once again swept the boards in the category Largeheaded Roses with a stunning display of ‘Pearl Avalanche+’.

It was the third year in a row that this rose grower from Pijnacker was presented with the Keukenhof Award. |||

June 2012 | www.FloraCultureInternational.com

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Science Monthly

50

Your source for the latest horticultural research news

Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture is a leading research institute in the international greenhouse horticulture. Experience in both greenhouse horticulture and research allows the institute to develop and implement innovations for and in partnership with the horticultural industry. Research is focused on the development of a sustainable and competitive greenhouse horticulture. This section provides the readers of FloraCulture International with a comprehensive review of the latest research and the provisional results.

For further information please contact: José Frederiks, T +31 317 48 38 78 jose.frederiks@wur.nl

The Next Generation Cultivation of Gerbera The Next Generation Cultivation of Gerbera study aims at achieving significant energy savings, while maintaining the same production and quality levels. The study was conducted at the Bleiswijk-based GreenQ Improvement Centre and led by the Flori Consult Group and Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture. The research was carried out over two different periods of time and was funded by the Dutch Product Board for Horticulture (Productschap Tuinbouw) and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.

2009 - 2010

Planting date: week 30, 2009. Following a 30 week examination of the plants, the researchers discovered that: The Next Generation Gerbera growing recipe can save up to 46% energy, based on a practical reference of 53m3 of natural gas equivalents per m2 for heating and lighting, more screen hours or possibly double screens, more efficient use of lighting and improved humidity control by using fresh air and ventilation combined with an appropriate heating strategy.

The study also showed that there are opportunities for further savings.

The total production over the first year was 3 to 22% higher than predicted, but significant differences were observed between the cultivars. Production levels in winter didn’t meet expectations. The quality of the flowers was similar to the quality in a commercial greenhouse environment. The shelf life of the flowers was good. There were hardly any plant losses due to Botrytis. Furthermore, the

study showed that despite fresh air and moisture management through ventilation, Botrytis in the greenhouse environment cannot fully be prevented.

2010 - 2011

In the second year, energy savings of more than 50% were reached when compared to the defined reference. The production levels were 10% above the predicted values and certainly comparable to the daily practice.

Compared to the first year, more assimilation light was used, but less heat was needed.

The capacity of the forced ventilation was 10 m3/m2 and sufficient for the most part of the year.

Overall, the quality of flowers in the second year was good. The growth of Gerbera ‘Kimsey’ was on average slower than during the first year. This variety produced an amount of small and Botrytis infested flowers. ‘Suri’, on the other hand, showed a much better growth in the second year.

In the second year there was a strong focus on crop protection, as the control of white fly threatened to get out of hand. The two-year trial proved that forced ventilation contributes to energy saving in Gerberas, because it is possible to grow without a minimum temperature of the heating pipe.

The overall conclusion is that the discharge pattern of the air tubes is important for a good distribution of the dry air through the crop.

The effect of dry air was clearly demonstrated. The temperature distribution and humidity around the plant was closely monitored.

Humidity reduction is difficult at the heart of the plant. With forced ventilation and no use of the minimum pipe, the temperature around the roots was lower than in a normal system.

Therefore, a brief literature review is added about root temperature. Finally, the effect of applying a nivolator was described. Gerbera in a nivolator impact mainly on the climate over the crop and not the crop underneath. ||| For further information: arie.degelder@wur.nl

Smart LED lights in Lathyrus The pests and disease resistance of plants can be artificially increased by using different methods. Jantineke Hofland of Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture and Luc Stevens of PRI Bio Interactions & Plant Health have studied the effects of 'smart LED light' and presented their results at the Crop Health Day. Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture is carrying out an extensive research programme aimed at controlling and preventing downey mildew. One of the research goals is to increase the resistance of plants against this fungus by taking measures in cultivation, including the use of red and far-red (also called ‘near infra-red’) light for increasing plant resistance.

In 2011, a grower tested red and far-red light in a commercial greenhouse environment with Lathyrus. In the section with red light there was no sprayings against mildew were carried out, while in the other sections with standard

www.FloraCultureInternational.com | June 2012

lighting levels two sprayings were carried out.

In the ‘red section’, the leaf became much harder and greener, featuring a more thicker, waxy surface. Under the far-red light the crop was more stretched and under the red light there was 5% more production.

Hofland and Stevens presume that by using ‘smart light’, they can induce the natural resistance mechanics of a plant. Scientific research shows that under influence of external stimulus, plants can start producing substances such as resistance proteins which prevent the penetration of damage-causing elements, such as mildew.

From what has been written about this topic, it is known that a red light pulse of one hour per night is sufficient to decrease downy mildew sporulation in, for example, roses, without affecting their lifespan in a vase.

Researchers concluded that by using light cleverly, they can perhaps reduce the use of chemical products against mildew. They now want to examine whether the use of 'smart light' is applicable in a commercial greenhouse environment. Questions which remain unanswered are: How do crops react? Does smart light induce more shoot growth and how does it affect production? |||

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Advertising Index

Company Page website Briza (Cut flowers of the World)............... 20........................www.briza.co.za/floraculture Danziger ‘Dan’ Flower Farm....................... 2.............................................www.danziger.co.il FloraCulture International.......................... 51............www.floracultureinternational.com Fliers Systems................................................ 44....................................www.fliersystems.com Florasearch Inc............................................. 51.....................................www.florasearch.com..

Floricultura B.V............................................... 6........................................www.floricultura.com Flormart .......................................................... 20..................................................www.flormart.it..

Flowers & Cents ........................................... 44............................www.flowersandcents.org Hem Genetics................................................ 10.......................................www.hemzaden.com HortiFair........................................................... 52............................................www.hortifair.com Javo.................................................................. 40.......................................................www.javo.eu Jiffy Products International B.V................ 38..............................................www.jiffypot.com Jungle Jack’s Thailand............................... 40..................... www.junglejacksthailand.com Koppert Biological........................................ 38.................................................www.koppert.nl Lex+................................................................... 6............................................................ www.lex.nl Market News Services............................... 44................................... www.intracen.org/mns Pan American Seeds................................... 14....................................www.panamseed.com Plantarium ...................................................... 6............................................. www.plantarium.nl Royal van Zanten.......................................... 44............................. www.royalvanzanten.com Royalty Administration Int.......................... 17................................www.rai-worldwide.com Stan Brouard Group..................................... 20...................................www.sbproducts.co.uk Urbinati ........................................................... 40............................................ www.urbinati.com Vermako........................................................... 6............................................www.vermako.com

This index is provided as a service to our readers. The publisher does not assume responsibility for errors or omissions.

Visit FloraCulture International advertisers on the internet by linking to their Websites from our Digital Online Advertiser Index at www.floracultureinternational.com. For readers who do not have internet access, please send your request for additional information from any of our advertisers to FloraCulture International (Postbus 1081, 1430 BB Aalsmeer, The Netherlands). Be sure to include your name, company name, address, faxnumber and the name(s) of the companies about which you would like to receive additional information.

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