On September 15, during the gala dinner of the AIPH, the International Association of Horticultural Producers, in Zaragosa Van den Berk Nurseries has been awarded with the 3rd prize in the international ‘Grower of the Year’ competition 2009. As the winner of the Dutch Horticulture Business prize 2009, Van den Berk was one of the six nominees. Pieter van den Berk represented the company during the award ceremony, part of the 61st Annual Congress of the AIPH. The six nominees, who are each the winners of their respective national contests, came from Belgium, Colombia, England, Germany, The Netherlands and Spain. Each of the candidates were judged on four main criteria; (1) economic performance, (2) sustainable business strategy (including social responsibility), (3) innovation and (4) overall company image.

The bronze rose was for Van den Berk Nurseries because of its

• Engineering innovations to complement progressive production techniques in a specialised business
• Compliance with environmental standards
• Professional marketing and promotion aspects (e.g. Website, Tree Book, Guides and Newsletter)

Pieter van den Berk is very honoured with the prize. He sees it as a confirmation of the correct strategy. This strategy focuses on cooperation with, of course customers and suppliers, but also with (local) governments, branch and educating organisations and researchers.

In March 2009, our site Van den Berk Rhododendron GmbH went live. The site contains the complete list of plants grown by the rhododendron nursery and interesting information on the different types of rhododendrons and azaleas. The flowering calendar and planting tips can be used when making a decision about which type to plant and where to plant it.

www.vdberk-rhododendron.com

Van den Berk Nurseries has recently signed a sponsorship contract with the EFLA, the European Foundation for Landscape Architecture. As their main sponsor we support the activities of this coordinating organization of landscape architects. The EFLA activities are mainly aimed at education, passing on practical experience and the European lobby on environmental planning. These are important activities, as it is essential to manage the outdoor space in a responsible manner, both now and in the future. Landscape architects play a crucial part in this development, which is why Van den Berk decided to support this initiative on a European scale.

On the 7th of January Dutch agricultural minister Gerda Verburg presented this much coveted award to Van den Berk Nurseries. In her words; “Dutch horticulture is forward looking in innovation, energy, conservation and sustainable production. A cornerstone of Hollands economic production and export industry, Van den Berk Nurseries is a shinning example of all these qualities”.

The jury considers Van den Berk Nurseries as ‘setting the benchmark’ in product renewal and sustainable production in the tree production field. Also areas such as mechanical innovation, human resources and logistics were highlighted.

The marketing of the company and its products on the international markets was considered as ‘showing the way forward’ and acting as ambassador for the entire Dutch horticultural industry.

The award represents the judgment of a wide range of Dutch agricultural organizations ranging from ministries to trade unions and export associations as well as quality control and trading standard bodies.