Frans van den Bos departing as member Council

“The ‘bite’ of the Members' Council is still lacking”

04 January 2021 Fransvandenbos

In a series of portraits, we would like to introduce members of Royal FloraHolland. Entrepreneurs, thinkers and innovators who will enter into discussion with each other and the management of Royal FloraHolland, concerning issues we are facing as a cooperative. Exceptional people with their own ideas and a shared dream: a flourishing future for our cooperative. We will start with the growers who were the founding members of the Members' Council. As of 31 December 2020, these members are stepping down as Members' Council members. What is the current status of the Members' Council? What has been achieved for the members?

Frans van den Bos (63)

Bougainvillea Kwekerij de Wintertuin
Region Westland East
Married, father of five children and grandfather of 4 grandchildren

"The Members' Council was a very special time of my life. I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I got to know so many people. All of them entrepreneurs, just like me. Who all make a living in this beautiful industry. And we all do it in our own way. That makes me proud!

I was also already involved with the Advisory Council. The entire structural change is something I closely witnessed. I think that the new governance structure is a very good choice. It has my full support. Only the Management Board, Supervisory Board and Members' Council triangle could be improved. Right now, not all parties are equally as strong. The 'bite' of the Members' Council is still lacking. We just raise our eyebrows and squint. And nothing more than that. The Members' Council may become even stronger. The foundation is there. Now it's just a matter of seeing it through.

From the Members' Council, I was closely involved with the Floriculture Emergency Fund. The speed and accuracy with which this was handled is extraordinary. In my eyes, it perfectly shows the power of the cooperative.

To me, Royal FloraHolland is an extension of my company. Without the cooperative, we would never have had such purchasing power. That's why I will keep following the developments closely. Even when I will no longer be a member of the Members' Council."