The green way forward

As president of Royal Association of Gardeners and Greenkeepers (VHG), I am at the center of an industry on the eve of a crucial transformation. The green sector, where gardeners and landscapers play a key role, offers solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our society: climate adaptation, health and well-being. Yet our contribution is often underestimated and underutilized. It is time we put our value more clearly on the map and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

MKB Nederland's recent Entrepreneurs' Agenda 2024 clearly outlines the challenges and bottlenecks for our sector. One of the main issues is the need for predictable and reliable government policies. The landscaping sector is one of the pillars of energy transition and climate adaptation, but we can only reach our full potential if the government involves us in decision-making processes at an early stage. We are not spectators, but co-architects of a sustainable future.

The tech industry, closely associated with us, has already embraced the transition to sustainable solutions. And it is impressive how quickly roof gardens and other green innovations are evolving. This sector is ahead by combining technology and green, providing inspiration for other parts of our industry. Yet here lies a task for all of us: traditional landscapers must also make the move to innovation and sustainability.

But let's face it: the road to green progress is not without obstacles. The regulations surrounding water management, for example, require us to adopt new ways of thinking and techniques. In urban areas, we are faced with the task of preventing flooding while promoting biodiversity. This requires investments in knowledge and technology, but also a change in mentality among both professionals and clients.

As an industry association, we contribute to this by continuously sharing knowledge and supporting our members in this transition. Our role is not limited to informing; we actively lobby the government to ensure that our sector gets the right support. Cooperation between government and entrepreneurs is essential to realize the transition to a greener future.

The image of the gardener is another concern. We must move away from the image of the gardener as a simple executor and position ourselves as experts in climate adaptation and sustainable living environments. This requires a joint effort: we must continue to develop ourselves and show our worth. The demand for green and sustainable solutions is increasing, and we hold the key to meeting it.

Finally, I want to make an appeal to all gardeners: be proud of what you do, but also remain critical and ambitious. The challenges ahead are great, but so are the opportunities. Let's work together for a future where green is not just a decorative function, but an integral part of a sustainable and livable society.

Together, we can make a difference.