Royal FloraHolland has postponed the enforcement of mandatory certification for auction suppliers by three months. They are not the only auction struggling with this requirement, as more than 50% of Plantion's members are not yet certified by FSI standards.
In mid-November, Royal FloraHolland (RFH) announced that it would be postponing the enforcement of mandatory certification for growers trading there by three months. The reasons provided are the existing waiting line of growers wanting to get certified and the great number of growers who are not yet certified. At present, 76% of the turnover realised by growers through RFH is FSI-certified. RFH refuses to say how many growers are still uncertified. It is obvious, nevertheless, that the percentage of growers without FSI certification is much higher than 24 percent.
Like RFH, Plantion is also encouraging its members to get certified. However, even in Ede, this requires effort. Of the turnover growers realise through Plantion, 74% is FSI certified. However, over 50% of Plantion members are not certified. Although the small growers scheme offers respite until 1 July 2027, director André van Kruijssen is apprehensive whether all members will be certified by then. He indicates that he does not want to nor can afford to lose any members. ‘Strong production from our own members is indispensable.’
