Every two months, it is my privilege to write a column for our trade journal. Our trade journal Vakblad voor de Bloemisterij is as unique as our sector, and I enjoy reading the articles it runs. For me, it is the way to stay up to date on Dutch horticultural issues.
You may find it strange to hear me say that I’m worried about Dutch growers. This is not even to do with all the rules in the Netherlands, but it’s about gas, electricity, the environment, housing, water supply and, last but not least, staff. Things are either not available, not allowed or made as difficult as possible to obtain. And once you’ve finally got your act together, the rain will drown your bulbs and crops or render your land inaccessible.
I’m considering myself lucky to have had the chance, ten years ago, to do an internship in Kenya. As a young student, I ended up at a rose nursery on the slopes of Mount Kenya. I never left the place and am now in overall charge of Timaflor, with 150 hectares of roses and 2,100 enthusiastic employees. All our flowers are clock auctioned in Aalsmeer. This may sound very simple, and perhaps it is. One thing is certain though: here, there is still room to be a real grower.
