The Green Grand Prix, which was launched during GrootGroenPlus 2022, is becoming increasingly more mature. The inspection was established not only to convince end users of the outward qualities of the plant, but especially of the delivered cultivation performance. GrootGroenPlus provides an ideal platform for this via the trade fair, which is taking place from 2-4 October 2024. This adds value for the grower and the industry as a whole, bringing the plant back into the spotlight, according to Frans van Wanrooij, board member of GrootGroenPlus.

The Green Grand Prix aims to provide an alternative to and a continuation of the plant inspection for plants that either cannot participate in the novelty inspection or have already been inspected by the KVBC. "KVBC inspections focus on new plants, and they certainly do good work. There's nothing wrong with that," says Frans van Wanrooij. However, GrootGroenPlus goes a step further. "Our philosophy is that if a plant receives a certain standard, it should then also be followed up and be able to return for inspection on other aspects. A professional jury assesses based on five criteria: quality of the root system, quality of the plant's foliage, the ratio between plant and pot, the ecological value, and the overall impression of the submitted plants."

Appreciation of the plant

“That is the part that is often lacking in the novelty inspections. It does offer a certain appreciation for the plants, but it falters in the follow-up of the plants. However, we feel that it should not stop at this, which is why we address this issue with the Green Grand Prix,” says Van Wanrooij. 

Additionally, the board member, from his position at ABAB Accountants & Advisors, believes that with a different plant selection, better results can be achieved. "In our humble opinion, there are many plants that, coupled with cultivation performance, are commercially interesting. By paying extra attention to them through the Green Grand Prix, they have a better chance of excelling at the final stage. Thus, they provide added value for the industry and for the grower. Promoting the industry is one of the core values ​​of GrootGroenPlus. That's why the trade fair is there in the first place. Therefore, we have chosen a different course for the benefit of the tree nursery and horticulture industry. In our view, the various inspections complement each other."

“We feel that many plants are commercially interesting, if coupled with cultivation performance” 

Van Wanrooij argues that the final stage after the novelty inspection and award ceremony is mostly the job of the entrepreneur. “So, the question is whether, with the consent of the grower, we can give a little extra attention through the GrootGroenPlus platform to get a new discovery or cultivar more into the spotlight. Ultimately, besides quality, it's about margins for the entrepreneur. If it's about the thousandth Hypericum that gives light orange berries instead of dark orange ones, I think we're missing the point."

A lot of exposure

GrootGroenPlus aims to further promote the Green Grand Prix and expand its implementation this year. Growers will be called upon again to submit their plants for evaluation. An expert judging committee will assess the strengths and, potentially, the weaknesses of a cultivar and whether the industry is even interested in that product. They will then be rated or scored, after which the plants will receive a year-round platform via GrootGroenPlus. This will also give them exposure on the digital platform, attracting attention from the market," says Van Wanrooij.

He also takes a moment to focus on the upcoming edition of the trade fair in Zundert. "We hope to continue the successful trend from last year. We will continue to focus on the warm, convivial, and Burgundian style that is traditionally associated with us. Both the participant and the visitor should feel at home there. In the statutes, it is stated that we are founded for the industry and by the industry. This remains the most important focus for GrootGroenPlus. The event is essentially the kick-off of the season, as we often hear from our peers in the industry. Afterward, they are fully briefed and up to date on the latest developments. It's a good barometer of the mood in the industry. Furthermore, we are once again putting a lot of energy into attracting new international visitors and there will be a special focus on the retail industry and, consequently, on ornamental horticulture. Moreover, we have been showcasing a complete range of products on the trade show floor in Zundert for years. While GrootGroenPlus is a household name in our country, there is still plenty of room to grow internationally."

Judging at the Green Grand Prix

The Green Grand Prix offers an excellent opportunity to apply criteria regarding cultivation and the cultivation result through an independent jury of professionals. The jury assesses based on five criteria: quality of the root system, quality of the foliage of the plant, the ratio between plant and pot, ecological value, and the overall impression of the submitted plants. According to the jury, this presents a significant opportunity to not only convince end-users of the outward qualities of the plant but especially of the delivered cultivation performance.

The registration form for the Green Grand Prix can be found on the website www.grootgroenplus.nl