Elise Wieringa, Sustainability Award judge: “Be proud of the steps you're taking toward a more sustainable future”

Registration for the Sustainability Award is now open. This award not only provides recognition but also highlights how innovations—both big and small—are advancing the floriculture sector. Elise Wieringa, sustainability manager at Intratuin and a member of the award’s judging panel, explains why now is the perfect time to submit your idea.

“There’s a lot going on among growers, but they often don’t realize that their improvements are innovative,” says Elise. “Sometimes you have to point it out to them: this is valuable; this deserves a platform. It’s precisely by sharing these innovations with one another that we can move even faster in our sector. That’s why I find it so rewarding to be a jury member; I love companies that are focused on innovation and sustainability.”

Innovation is broader than you think

According to Elise, the award isn’t just about high-tech solutions or product innovations. All entries are scored according to the ESG pillars. “It could be a new approach to crop protection or the use of data and AI in and around the garden, but it could also involve social innovations, such as safer working conditions or smarter labor management. Anything that contributes to sustainability according to one or more of the ESG pillars is relevant.”

The originality of the submission is also considered, but that doesn’t mean it has to be completely new. “Perhaps you’re using a technique that already exists in another sector but hasn’t been adopted in your crop or region yet. That, too, is innovative and inspiring to others.”

What does the jury look for?

In addition to relevance according to the ESG pillars, the jury evaluates entries based on impact, practical applicability, and originality. “The more pillars you address—environmental, social, and governance—the higher your score,” Elise explains. “But even an innovation that addresses just one pillar can win. It’s about the contribution you make. It’s also important that you can substantiate the impact with, for example, data or a certificate.”

Practical applicability carries significant weight. “We hope that innovations will inspire others. You might not adopt everything, but even part of it or the idea behind it can make a big difference.”

“Because we’re a jury with diverse backgrounds, we all look at things from a slightly different perspective. I have a retail background, of course, but other jury members come from the produce industry or have no agricultural background at all. That’s why every innovation is valuable to us.”

Why participate?

For Elise, it’s simple: “Be proud of what you do. By participating, you inspire others and show that the sector is on the move. Innovation is crucial for taking steps together toward a more sustainable future. Look within your company at the steps you’ve taken over the past year and a half—there’s undoubtedly a valuable idea there that you can submit for the award. What may seem obvious to you as a grower can be incredibly inspiring to someone else. Both big and small changes can have a significant impact.”

She adds: “It’s better to submit and not win than to not submit and miss an opportunity. Every entry is reviewed and appreciated.”

You can register for the Royal FloraHolland Sustainability Award until August 15. Submit your innovation now.