" I am really proud , " sound out Steven van Schilfgaarde . " Proud of Royal FloraHolland , of myself , of my home . " We are ride in his office , it is his last week as chief executive officer of Royal FloraHolland . He see back on a special time . " To close this period on Cooperative Day , with my married woman and children there , was very special . "
It is another busy week for Steven . He wants to allow for everything in effective order for his successor Pieter Bootsma , so his workweek is full of handover interviews , meeting , and an annual here and now of thanks with all managers . " Everything chance for the last time , which is particular . It started with my trip to Africa in early December , where I said goodbye . They had organize a squeamish farewell company . "
At IFTEX in Nairobi , Kenya , June 2024
New structure"The co-op has produce significantly in recent years , with a light separation between connection and service provision . This is also how we will further structure the organization . We want to wait on customers - growers and buyer - as well as possible by efficiently combining all required knowledge . The association part of the cooperative will be organized separately . This has simplified the constitution , with one less direction stratum . This allow us to respond faster and better to customers ' wishes . At the same clock time , it bring through costs , which we owe to our members . "
Largest B2B shopping streetSteven has a great heat for digitalisation , which is not surprising devote his ground in Telecom and IT . " Royal FloraHolland would miss the gravy holder . I do n’t know on the button which gravy holder , but we had to enable novel outgrowth . The sector was static but not move . With that transmutation , I set to influence flop then in the form of Floriday and IT modernisation . "
He is proud of Floriday and the footfall taken . " When I came in , everything was done through the clock and financial completion took lieu after . Now , with Floriday , we have the largest B2B shopping street in Europe . Thanks to the new technologies that we have developed for space Buying , we are on our way to become one of the most modern digital infrastructures . "
Digitalization has also kept the clock unshakable , he says . " The identification number of transactions strike 1 % every year until three years ago . Since 2021 , it has been stable . Of course , it is true that everyone used to sit around in the stands ; you miss that feeling now . That is why we have inclose appendage Roger Huntington Sessions , Cooperative Day , and a customer platform so that we stick around affiliated . "
Steven during the opening of Centrum Weerbare Sierteelt in Naaldwijk with mayor Bouke Arends , December 2023
Merger completed"If we propose in force avail , the whole floriculture sector will be stronger . I have been working with that musical theme for the past few years . " When Steven go in the organisation in 2016 , each fix ’s were still different . Royal FloraHolland is the solution of multiple merger since 1911 and since the last merger in 2008 , run to one scheme ultimately completed the merger after 16 year .
ImpatiencePerhaps the biggest challenge , he shares , is that some things can take a long metre . I am quite impatient , so sometimes I hoped things would go faster . At the same time , we had to get by with challenge such as Covid and an energy crisis . Besides , you have to remember that FloraHolland can be changed , but the environment has to go along with it . We all have to take step and see the golden mean . I would have liked that some things went faster , but I am glad with where we are . You do n’t have the Wisdom of Solomon beforehand . "
Steven during an interview in 2020
CertificationsSteven does worry about the industriousness ’s figure . " We have to keep demonstrate ourselves in the coming years . Society is increasingly demanding , such as in the country of credential . I understand that this is a hefty obligation for some growers , but at long last it facilitate to protect all members . One mistake can become big news program . As a cooperative , we have to protect ourselves ; we can not bury our heads in the sand . "
He impart , " We want to support growers in meeting certification prerequisite . credentials should not be a reason to resign . If it does , there is often more at manoeuvre . By the way , it does not only employ to grower but there are more and more requirement for all enterpriser . Society demands transparence , and rightly so . The beauty of our sphere is that we are working together on one language and one way of working , making it more effective and tatty for everyone . In the end , we are stronger together . "
NuanceAt the same time , Steven cerebrate we should avoid unnuanced thinking . He see growers invest a tidy sum to use fewer plant protection products but stresses that not everything can be abolished just like that . " As humanity , we also want to outlast , and sometimes we need medication to do that . It is important to be thrifty with what you employ , but not everything can just go away . That is too bare . At the same time , we do have a mission to use as little chemical science as possible . But harvest shelter is not the only problem ; there are many challenges that we have to weigh up cautiously . "
SupportSteven has found that everyone in the sector does have an opinion . " It is a sphere in which there are many actor , but the figure of feeling is even capital . For exemplar , we once took a decisiveness on certification with a 53 % majority . However , in our sector , you really need 70 - 80 % bread and butter to take the next whole step . In this sphere , you have to speed , but direct very carefully and not overtake anyone . I hope I have n’t done that either . "
Passion for flower and plants"People in this sector are so passionated , " Steven says . " So many family businesses , and it ’s incredibly what peril people take because of their love of peak and plants . Everywhere I went - whether it was at a baby’s room , a line driver , or in the trade - citizenry speak with passion . That love for the merchandise really belong to the Netherlands . I have also learned to enjoy the beauty of flowers and plants , especially the shades of color . It is becoming more and more colorful and divers . "
With a broad smile , he adds , " My godmother had a beautiful English garden , and I see element of that now at small organic growers . I love discover that . "
Steven during the commencement of Central Auction Rose , November 2023
Strengthening the hubSteven is clear when asked if land is being sold out of fiscal concerns : " No . The two plots in Naaldwijk were sold with the target of strengthening the hub in Naaldwijk . This extend new growth opportunities and room for development . We sell country to enable initiative that strengthen FloraHolland ’s operations . The land is also being offered in Aalsmeer to make new opportunities . Everything is about strengthening the marketplace . Ultimately , this benefits the intact floriculture sphere in the Netherlands . "
And that is also what Steven incur peculiar about ' the auction ' . " It is an association , cooperative , caller , and marketplace , we are busy with logistics , lobbying for the sector , and public affairs . Oh , and one of the largest real estate company in the Netherlands . Royal FloraHolland offers the Netherlands countless opportunity . We also bring products to the most emotional import of people ’s life all over the globe . you’re able to get hold us everywhere . "
Building togetherWhat Steven will miss most is the personal contact . " Personal physical contact create interaction and gives energy . Together you build something great , and that ’s what I ’m locomote to miss most . "
Steven is still call back about his future plans . " I take time to reflect and see what comes my room . If something gives me energy and I can conduce to something , I need to look at it . But I will take my time . My folk is also happy that I can pass more fourth dimension with them now . "
His subject matter for the diligence ? " Keep reaching out to ach other and overpower differences . Keep innovating , because standing still is not an option in today ’s world . Some change are difficult , but attempt to look at things from a dissimilar view . There is so much admiration worldwide for Dutch floriculture , turn that into pridefulness . "
He has no regrets about his metre at Royal FloraHolland . On the opposite : " I am majestic of so many people who energetically and turbulently endeavor to do intimately every day . And we have to do it together . Royal FloraHolland can not exist without growers and vendee . "
For more info : Royal FloraHollandwww.royalfloraholland.com
© FloralDaily.com/Mirthe Walpot
