ENA, the European Nurserymen’s Association, held its summer meeting in Budapest, Hungary, June 25-28, 2024, with thirty-four delegates from all over Europe. The Magyar Díszkertészek Szakmaközi Szervezete, the Hungarian Interprofessional Organization for Ornamental Horticulture, hosted the meeting attended by representatives of national nursery organizations from Belgium,Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
The main meeting was opened by Dr. István Nagy, Minister of Agriculture in Hungary and currently Chairman of AGRIFISH, the European Union’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council, until the end of 2024. The minister shared a practical perspective on different EU legislative packages. All participants agreed that EU Regulations should not be expensive. This collaborative perspective highlighted the importance of balancing regulatory measures with practical implementation strategies to ensure that they are both effective and managed.
Delegates reported on the situation of the nursery business across Europe. It was noted that labor costs are rising significantly; on the other hand, plant prices have increased in most countries, remaining stable in only a few.
The General Assembly meeting concluded with the election of the new board that will lead the ENA association for the next three years. Mr. Tim Van Hulle was elected President, Mr. Mateusz Milczyński Vice President, and Mr. Willy De Nolf was re-elected as Treasurer.
