Royal FloraHolland must try to keep everyone on board

David van Tuyl, chrysanthemum grower at LinFlower, expressed his vision of the proposed change in the rates and membership structure. “I feel that this process has been carried out very thoroughly. Larger growers must also find it interesting to remain members of this cooperative. We must try to keep everyone on board.”

At the regional meetings held in November, the main topic on the agenda concerned rates and membership. In Aalst in the Brabant region, 30 growers came together in mid-November to exchange ideas in a positive setting.

David understands the necessity to modify the structure. "For my company, the new rates are a bit less favourable, but I understand the necessity. If it helps to keep the volume and the supply up, then we must support this."

"Everything is divided fairly"
What is your opinion about how the process went for Cooperative 2020? "I think this is a good method. From the sessions to gather input from the members, a model was presented by the Management Board. The members' reactions to it were subsequently incorporated in the definitive proposal. Royal FloraHolland can't make everyone happy, but with this proposal, we come a long way. And everything is divided fairly. In my opinion, this proposal forms a good basis for the future. It is flexible, allowing you to respond to what is actually happening."

Worthwhile remaining a member
Heimen Quick (left-hand photo) from CJ Orchids is pleased with the outcome of the definitive proposal. "For another grower it may be less favourable, but it has been well thought through, and it is a good proposal. I attended session 5. It struck me then that the distinction between member-suppliers and suppliers was small. I thought, it would be better for me to become a supplier. But with the adjustments that have now been made, that is no longer the case, and it is certainly worthwhile remaining a member. And that is great."