Bartın Province in Turkey puts organic aronia berries in the spotlight

The Turkish province of Bartın is set to play a significant role in the organic cultivation of aronia berries. This is according to Cengiz Bostanci, an agricultural engineer working in the province of Bartın: “At a time when interest in functional foods and organic agriculture and horticulture is growing worldwide, the province of Bartın in Turkey is strengthening its position in the global aronia berry market. Thanks to a combination of government support, investment from the private sector and cooperative initiatives, Bartın is not only building a cultivation centre, but one of the purest aronia ecosystems in the world. Aronia cultivation in Bartın began in 2018 as part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Plant Production Development Project, in collaboration with the Yalova Atatürk Horticultural Central Research Institute.”

TTS joins GGP.news

With its practical view on rooting, tray development and young plant quality, TTS has built a clear position within the international tree nursery industry in recent years. The company, owned by Rob Tolenaars, focuses on tray systems that not only make efficient production possible, but above all contribute to a stronger root system and more uniform plant development.

Theme ‘Growing Together’ takes on a broad meaning at the trade fair floor

Growth does not happen automatically. It requires choices, initiative and making connections. That is exactly what GrootGroenPlus wants to stimulate at the trade fair floor this autumn with its theme ‘Growing Together’. But what does that mean in practice? “Sometimes growth simply means taking a step back for a moment,” says marketing expert and board member of the trade fair, Loïs Lodders.

Garden market in Germany comparatively stable

Given the generally gloomy economic mood in Germany, horticulture is still in relatively good shape. This was also made clear at the Media Day Garden event organised by the German Horticultural Industry Association (IVG) in Cologne in February 2026. The organisers were encouraging about the future of the green sector, despite all the challenges: plants and gardening continue to offer opportunities for those who are rethinking their approach and adapting to change. 

Elimination of reduced VAT rate on ornamental horticultural products has major impact

The government intends to eliminate the reduced VAT rate for ornamental horticulture products as of 1 January 2028. Erik Stuurbrink, chairman of the sector group Bomen, Vaste Planten en Zomerblomeen (Trees, Perennials and Summer Flowers) of LTO Nederland, questions whether the government is aware of the long-term impact of this measure.

Nursery stock sector in Germany: urban and deciduous trees on the rise

High energy prices, inflation and uncertainties at national and global level posed major challenges for many German companies last year. Export-oriented industries were under pressure, purchasing power declined and consumer sentiment was subdued.
The number of insolvencies rose, and even long-established companies were forced to close due to cheaper competition from abroad and declining orders. All of this has also had consequences for horticulture, and many horticultural businesses have avoided making investments.

Groen van bij ons, Flemish campaign ‘Groene planten, vaste klanten’

Groen van bij ons has launched a campaign in Flanders to inspire garden owners to start working with green perennials. With the slogan ‘Groene planten, vaste klanten’ ('Green plants, steady customers), the Flemish Centre for Agro- and Fisheries Marketing (VLAM) aims to convince consumers to choose perennial outdoor plants, which they can enjoy all year round.

The full range of ornamental products, interwoven with surprises

AVBS stand at the Floraliën becomes one big journey of discovery. That, in a nutshell, is what the stand of the professional organisation of ornamental growers and green contractors, AVBS, will look like. Unlike previous editions, where each houseplant grower or tree nursery more or less had ‘their own little corner’ within the group stand, the plants are now presented where they can look their best, helping to tell the overall story of the stand. Architects Wouter François and Kris Van Cauter are creating an experience here. In the past, visitors were sometimes overwhelmed by the total impression at once, they are now creating a journey of discovery. “Visitors will experience a walk full of stimuli, emotion and experience, in which their connection with what they see is deepened layer by layer,” Wouter explains.