In the floriculture sector, 83% of entrepreneurs are aware of the environmental impact of the chemical crop protection products they use. Many of them have a strong desire to use more “green” alternatives. However, more than half (53%) experience problems in making crop protection more sustainable. They need greater availability of alternatives, clear and consistent legislation and regulations for all countries, and more technical knowledge and information. This is evident from the latest Ornamental Horticulture Trend Report, published today by Royal FloraHolland.

52% of respondents want to make greater use of organic products and an equal proportion want to strengthen plant resistance in order to make crop protection more sustainable in their businesses. Four in ten see opportunities in the area of prevention (e.g. resistant varieties and hygiene).

Concerns among growers and buyers

Crop protection is one of the biggest concerns regarding the livelihood of growers; 53% of growers indicate that they are concerned about this. Increasing legislation and regulations (61%) and staff shortages and labour costs (46%) are also points of concern. It is striking that concerns about the sustainability of the sector have generally decreased: from 30% in the first trend report to 17% now.

The Ornamental Plant Trend Report shows that almost three-quarters (74%) have a positive or neutral attitude towards making the sector more sustainable. And that many entrepreneurs are already taking action: 85% of growers have now taken steps to grow more sustainably. David van Mechelen, interim CEO of Royal FloraHolland: 'As a cooperative, we think it is a positive development that more and more entrepreneurs recognise the need to make the sector more sustainable. Naturally, we want to support our members as much as possible in this transition. For example, we are committed to accelerating the approval of green alternatives, so that the transition to virtually chemical-free cultivation can proceed more easily and quickly. We are also lobbying for more flexibility with regard to rules that play a role in sustainability transitions. This is working; one example is the new approach by the Ministry of Economic Affairs to reduce regulatory pressure.'

Sustainability beyond crop protection

Making the sector more sustainable requires more than just crop protection. It also requires a smart approach to issues such as energy, working conditions, packaging and water. A growing number of growers and buyers (80% compared to 75% last time) indicate that cooperation in this area is (very) important. There appears to be a great need for uniformity: 84% of growers believe that legal sustainability requirements should be uniform in all countries. In the first trend report (July 2025), this was still 73%.

Maarten Bánki, Head of Sustainability at Royal FloraHolland: 'We understand that desire. The fact is, however, that growers in Kenya, for example, have to deal with a completely different climate, with different growing conditions and a different pest pressure. That also requires a different approach and different resources. It is positive to see that the Kenyan government is currently bringing its legislation on crop protection in horticulture more in line with EU legislation. Certification can offer more transparency about products and crop protection and help the transition to more sustainable crop protection. I am pleased to see that so many entrepreneurs recognise that cooperation is crucial in making the sector more sustainable. At Royal FloraHolland, we facilitate this cooperation by connecting parties, encouraging knowledge sharing and supporting joint initiatives. In this way, we create space for innovation and accelerate the sustainability of our chain. Only by working together and looking ahead can we prepare the floriculture sector for the future.