Martien van der Weijden departing as member Council

“Possibly one of the most challenging times ever”

17 February 2021 Royal Floraholland Martien Vd Weijden

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?

Martien van der Weijden (68)

Excellent Orchids/ cut orchids, peonies and seed cultivation
Region Haarlemmermeer
Married, three children

"We are living in challenging times - possibly the most challenging times ever. Corona, Brexit - but also digitisation, logistics, International Payment Solutions and certification. There is simply no other way, than to go with the flow. Otherwise, we lose our right to exist. As a cooperative, we can truly do something in this area, together. The Members' Council has an important role to play in all this."

"We have made great strides with regards to member involvement during the past few years. We are much more included in everything that is going on at Royal FloraHolland. It is great to see this. Two years ago, we started the Members' Council with much enthusiasm. Now, it is important to keep sustaining the council, and to support it - from within the council itself as well as from the Members' Council Team from Royal FloraHolland. With a lasting view on diversity in the composition, and with enough contact with members. Keep involving them. And lastly: stay critical of the role of the Members' Council. The Council has to be able to keep a sufficient amount of influence. They also have to be able to step back when it comes to implementation."

"I, myself, won't get bored. I have three grandchildren, and my own children have their own companies. And I am a volunteer debt help buddy. Of course, I will stay up-to-date with everything that's happening within the Members' Council. Hopefully, soon there will be physical meetings again. Those meetings will always remain important to me. It is a way to stay involved."