The space behind GrootGroenPlus
An international trade fair with hundreds of participants and thousands of visitors requires a considerable amount of space. Yet outside the trade fair dates, little remains visible of the extensive trade fair facilities at the GrootGroenPlus site. This is because the halls are built up again every year and dismantled after the event. Behind this temporary trade fair venue is a partnership with Neptunus that has now lasted for more than fifteen years.
GrootGroenPlus 2026: international, innovative and connected
The 36th edition of GrootGroenPlus, held from 30 September to 2 October at the BCT site in the municipality of Zundert, has come to a successful close. With 285 participants from seven countries, visitors from 37 countries and a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, the trade fair lived up to its theme, ‘Growing Together’. Participants rated the quality of the trade visitors as very good. Preparations for 2027 have already begun: registration is open and the first 50 participants have already signed up.
Rabobank contributes to innovation and sustainable water management in the tree nursery industry
During the GrootGroenPlus trade fair, innovation, sustainability and future-proof entrepreneurship took centre stage. Rabobank underlined this ambition by presenting a Rabo Transition Ticket and several Water Vouchers to entrepreneurs working on the future of the tree nursery industry.
International guests discover the Dutch tree nursery industry during the press tour
The international press and buyers visiting GrootGroenPlus this week headed out into the region on Thursday 1 October for a press tour to several companies. The programme included visits to Crum Boomkwekerijen, Damcon BV, Boomkwekerij Cor Huibers and De Batterijen. The day concluded at De Bosrand Garden Centre in Rijsbergen, after which the group returned to GrootGroenPlus for the network dinner.
New and proven plants in the spotlight at GrootGroenPlus 2026
During the first day of GrootGroenPlus 2026, the results of the Green Grand Prix and the KVBC novelty inspection were announced. At the Green Grand Prix, several outstanding products from the GGP participants received awards. In addition, the Koninklijke Vereniging van Boskoopse Culturen (KVBC) inspected the submitted novelties.
These participants won awards at GrootGroenPlus 2026
During the first day of GrootGroenPlus 2026, several participants received awards. The Jac. Lodders Prize went to Boomkwekerij Damen (R034). BCT ROOTZ (B078) won the Jan van Dongen Prize and Hergo Boomkwekerij BV (B084) received the Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs.
Rabo Transition Tickets and Water Vouchers presented at GrootGroenPlus
Innovation and sustainable water management were firmly in the spotlight at GrootGroenPlus on Wednesday. At the trade fair, both Rabo Transition Tickets Transitie Tickets) and Water Vouchers (Watervouchers) were presented to entrepreneurs working towards a future-proof tree nursery industry.
Showcase your innovative strength at the trade fair and stand a chance of winning the Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs
Are you an entrepreneur actively working on sustainability, innovation and collaboration? And will you be showing at GrootGroenPlus how your company contributes to a strong, green tree nursery region? Then you could be in the running for the Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs.
Rick Zagers: alderman with an eye for greenery and entrepreneurship
Rick Zagers has been an alderman in Zundert since May 2026. He is an alderman on behalf of the Zundert VVD. In addition to traffic, sports, education and facilities, his portfolio also includes economic affairs. This means that he will also have a great deal to do with the tree nursery sector in our municipality.
Jury for the Jan van Dongen Prize and Jac. Lodders Prize ready for GrootGroenPlus 2026
Today, the jury for the Jan van Dongen Prize and the Jac. Lodders Prize met to prepare for the 36th edition of the GrootGroenPlus trade fair. This year, the trade fair will take place from 30 September to 2 October. On Wednesday, the jury members will visit the stands to select the best entries in two categories: the Jan van Dongen Prize for the best supplier and the Jac. Lodders Prize for the best green participant.
Sustainability and collaboration take centre stage at GrootGroenPlus 2026
From 30 September to 2 October 2026, the 36th edition of GrootGroenPlus will take place at the BCT site near the Hazeldonk border crossing in the municipality of Zundert. This year, the international trade fair for the tree nursery industry is entirely dedicated to the theme Growing Together. With this theme, the trade fair emphasises the importance of collaboration, innovation and a sustainable future for the tree nursery industry and the wider green industry.
KVBC inspects new varieties at GrootGroenPlus
Introducing a new cultivar is an important moment for a grower or breeder. It is often preceded by years of crossing, selecting and growing. An independent assessment shows the qualities of such a new plant and what it adds to the existing assortment. This year, the Koninklijke Vereniging van Boskoopse Culturen (KVBC) will once again be present at GrootGroenPlus to independently assess new plants.
GrootGroenPlus 2026 Buyers Programme attracts international interest
The GrootGroenPlus 2026 Buyers Programme is once again attracting considerable international interest this year. Managers and buyers from garden centres and garden centre chains, wholesalers, landscaping companies, government organisations and trade associations from numerous countries have registered for this special programme.
'Collaboration' is the key word for Marjolein Kloek
A few months ago, Marjolein Kloek (43) was appointed managing director of Stichting Nationale Boomfeestdag, an organisation with which GrootGroenPlus has maintained close ties for many years. High time to get to know her better.
Growing Together; increasing visibility together since 2017!
GrootGroenPlus and Varb will once again collaborate on the digital trade fair during the 36th edition in 2026. Participants can increase the online visibility of their current offering through the GGP channels. This year, there will be an additional focus on service: Varb will provide participants with personal assistance to help them optimise their online visibility.
The Evolution Garden at the Natural History Museum in London
Anyone who loves dinosaurs is bound to be thrilled by the Natural History Museum in London. The venerable, almost cathedral-like building houses a wealth of fossils as well as dinosaur skeletons. The museum demonstrated its innovative spirit by commissioning two new gardens: the Nature Discovery Garden and the Evolution Garden.
Soil resilience: where do we stand now?
On 28 May 2026, the Royal Dutch Phytopathological Society (KNPV) held a well-attended meeting on the theme of soil resilience. Over 150 professionals and students in the field of plant health took part. Soil resilience plays a major role in plant health. The soil and soil life of a particular plot largely determine whether a plant growing there is more likely to fall ill or, conversely, is more resilient to certain pathogens. A system comparable to the functioning of the gut microbiome in humans.
Italian National Day of Mediterranean Horticulture returns
One of the most important events in the Italian horticultural sector is returning: the National Day of Mediterranean Horticulture. This event is organised by the export organisation ANVE in collaboration with Vivai Capitanio and is scheduled for Saturday 30 May 2026 in Monopoli (BA).
GREEN IS LIFE 2026 chooses “THE HEART OF THE GREEN SECTOR” as its slogan
The 33rd edition of the Green is Life trade fair in Warsaw has now become a key meeting point for the tree nursery sector. “The slogan ‘THE HEART OF THE GREEN SECTOR’ is more than just a phrase — it perfectly captures what the trade fair stands for today: a place where key market processes converge, with plants as the starting point and the foundation for every investment in greenery. In a time of growing environmental challenges, the role of plants and responsible decision-making in green investments is becoming increasingly important,” says director Joanna Filipczak, “We see the growing importance of greenery — at its core are always plants and well-considered decisions regarding their selection. The Polish Growers’ Association understands this well and is responding with concrete action.”
Tree Nursery Technology Day: “Here, growers see things here that they want to apply themselves tomorrow”
On Thursday 25 June, the annual Tree Nursery Technology Day will take place at Esri Potcultuur and Boomkwekerij Kennis on Oekelsestraat in Rijsbergen. What once started out as a small-scale gathering focused on mechanical weed control has now grown into a meeting place for tree nursery growers, mechanisation companies and technology developers from the Netherlands and Belgium. Yet, according to co-initiator John Dictus of Boomkwekerij Dictus Hereijgers, the event should above all retain what makes it strong: accessibility, a practical focus and technology developed by growers themselves.