From 28 October until 9 November 2019, 16 managers between 25 and 40 years old representing international, ‘future proof’ floricultural companies will visit the Netherlands for two weeks. They are participants to the 2^nd edition of the Pro Manager Mastercourse Floriculture, an initiative of Jungle Talks in cooperation with leading horticultural companies from the Netherlands.

Most participants are general managers, some of them will reach that position within some 5 years from now. Ed Smit of Jungle Talks shares that also this year the level of the candidates exceeded expectations. ‘We received more than applications from around the globe and finally selected 16 participants. The selected participants come from Brazil (2), Chile, Guatemala, Colombia (2), Kenya (3), Zambia, Spain, Poland, Denmark, Iran, China and Vietnam. This group is a great reflection of the worldwide floricultural sector, both in terms of geography and product differentiation. ‘Our participants are active in the production of cut flowers, green plants, Phalaenopsis, cuttings and even edible flowers. Contrary to last year, we also selected four female participants which is considered by us as a positive step forward.’

Partners
During two intensive weeks in the Netherlands, the selected participants are immersed in a wealth of horticultural knowledge and experience. Koppert Biological Systems, Ridder Growing Solutions, Hortilux Schrèder, Agro Energy, Klasmann-Deilmann, Anthura and Van der Valk Systems are partners of the Pro Manager Mastercourse, while the event is further supported by Logics, Koppert Cress, AAB, Bruins, Chrysal, the World Horti Center and Wageningen UR. In close cooperation with these companies and institutes a high quality visit program has been compiled.

Cooperating companies’ directors are receiving the participants and will discuss merely strategy and vision, not so much products or services. That experience must give the participants a final encouragement in their development towards the strategic steps to be taken in their own company. After two weeks of company visits, complemented by inspirational sessions and interactive meetings and workshops, the participants will present their personal vision on the future of the international floricultural sector and the role of their company in it.

Program
Besides visits to all mentioned companies, the group will get to know the production companies Ter Laak Orchids, Optiflor, Together2Grow, Pligt Professionals, Ammerlaan TGI, Berg Roses, Zuidplas and  Arcadia. The group will also visit the Technical University of Delft and the Westland horticultural museum. The course is also coinciding with the Aalsmeer Trade Fair and IFTF.

 “We are very proud these leading companies and organizations work together to support and inspire this international group,’ says Ed Smit. “Jungle Talks will maintain and foster the contacts between participants, partners and supporters also after the Pro Manager Mastercourse, in order to make sure that all parties will make the most of this valuable cooperation.” Pro Manager Mastercourses Vegetables and Medicinal Cannabis in 2020 After a successful edition in 2018, this is the second Pro Manager Mastercourse Floriculture that Jungle Talks is organizing. Following this floricultural edition in October and November, another Pro Manager Mastercourse Vegetables is planned for January and February 2020 and the 2nd edition of the Pro Manager Mastercours Medicinal Cannabis is being organized during the first two weeks of June 2020. More information on these events will follow soon.