By popular demand the deadline has been extended for the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards (IGOTY) 2019. Growers of ornamentals worldwide now have until midnight (GMT) on Monday 13 August 2018 to enter.

Sponsored by Headline Partner, Royal Flora Holland, the event is taking place at the IPM fairground on Tuesday 22 January 2019 in Essen, Germany, alongside IPM Essen 2019.

Known as the Oscars for plants, the awards recognise best practice in horticultural production by the top ornamental production nurseries from around the globe.

Growers are reminded that its free to enter, with a simple online application process.

The categories are:

· FINISHED PLANTS AND TREES - Plants and trees ready for final sale.

· YOUNG PLANTS - Cuttings, plugs, liners, seedlings, etc, sold for growing on.

· CUT FLOWERS AND BULBS - Flowers and foliage cut for indoor decorative use and bulbs.

· SUSTAINABILITY AWARD - Best practice and innovation in improving sustainability.

· INSPIRING BUSINESS AWARD - Small businesses (less than ten employees) that demonstrate unique qualities and innovation.

2018 saw nine finalists from five countries make it through to the awards gala dinner, representing Canada, China, Columbia, Ethiopia, Israel and the Netherlands, with Ter Laak Orchids - The Netherlands taking home the title of International Grower of the Year 2018.

Entry forms must be submitted by Monday 13 August 2018 – visit www.aiph.org/groweroftheyear

Contacts

Amanda Wallace, AIPH Communications Manager

Email: amanda.wallace@spam-protectaiph.org Phone: +44 (0) 1235 776157

Website: www.aiph.org

Follow AIPH on Twitter @AIPHglobal

Notes for Editors:

International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH)

Since 1948, AIPH has united horticultural producers in an international community that thrives to this day. Much has changed in that time. Technologies advanced, cities rose from the ground, and we have become more connected than ever. As a result, our essential bond with nature has been weakened. AIPH strives to reignite and uphold an appreciation of plants that we believe is a basic human instinct. We support the work of grower associations globally and together we champion a prosperous industry, growing plants that enhance lives, advance societies and sustain our planet, for this generation and the next.

For further details visit www.aiph.org

IGOTY Awards

Brought to you by AIPH in partnership with Founding Partner, FloraCulture International (FCI), the IGOTY awards have been championing outstanding achievement in the sector since 2010. They recognise best practice in horticultural production by the top ornamental production nurseries from around the globe, celebrating the expertise and energy they give to horticulture. In 2018 ornamental growers, from Canada, China, Columbia, Ethiopia, Israel and The Netherlands reached the finals, with Ter Laak Orchids - The Netherlands, winning AIPH IGOTY 2018.

For more information including brochures, past winners and a video of the 2017 awards visit www.aiph.org/groweroftheyear