Belgium is the partner country of IPM Essen 2019

From January 22 to 25, 2019, the role as partner country of the international plant fair IPM Essen (Germany) will be bestowed on Belgium as an important exhibitor nation at IPM. When IPM started in 1982, Belgian exhibitors were the first from outside Germany. Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, says: "Belgian horticulture is very efficient. Around 70 exhibitors will show their innovations and trends. We would like to give them the attention which they deserve."
Koen Vanswijgenhoven, regional manager for Germany of the Flanders' Agricultural Marketing Board (VLAM), is also convinced about the cooperation and sees in it the chance to consolidate the horticultural relationship between Belgium and Germany even further: "Belgium has put its role as the partner country of IPM Essen 2019 under the motto 'Rooted in Craftsmanship Together'. Let's use the top-class stage in Essen in order to live this slogan and to strengthen the roots of our friendly and partnership-based togetherness."
Not only VLAM but also the Belgian Nurserymen and Growers Federation (AVBS) are behind the partner country cooperation. At IPM 2019, the Belgian ornamental plant exhibitors will present themselves in a large joint booth in Hall 2. The azalea will play a prominent role in this respect. In this field, Belgium is the frontrunner worldwide: 80 per cent of European azalea production originates from Flanders. 30 million units of this speciality are exported every year.