"Netherlands: "Foundation for world horticultural exhibition laid in Vijfhuizen"

From 6 to 8 November, the fourth edition of the IFTF and the first edition of the IHTF will be held in the Dutch town of Vijfhuizen. The number of registrations is currently 33% higher than last year, and the list of exhibitors already passed 300. Initiator Dick van Raamsdonk has an explanation. "On the one hand, of course, because the Horti Fair has been cancelled, but also because the number of exhibitors has grown, from 186 to 302.” Last week was still a busy one for those organising the fair. The venue in Vijfhuizen is currently being prepared for the 302 exhibitors that will fill the IHTF and IFTF. Another item on the list:the Horticulture Business Award. The nominations will be announced during the opening by J. Vonk-Vedder, president of Greenport Aalsmeer. Van Raamsdonk himself has been appointed the new board member.

Several international organizations organize their annual meetings around the fairs: CIOPORA, IRBA, AIPH, FSI, UnionFleur and CBI HortiWeek take the opportunity to meet in Vijfhuizen. "I myself am not a seminar kind of guy," laughs the fair organizer. "We facilitate opportunities for professionals to meet. This will happen on Monday."

And it isn’t just about floriculture, promises Van Raamsdonk. 

"Because we managed to attract several technical companies, the fair is also of interest for the fruit and vegetable growers. The Netherlands must have a world horticultural exhibition. We have the potential now, and have laid the foundation in Vijfhuizen."