The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) held its Spring Meeting in Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 9-13 February 2025. This event provided a platform for global industry leaders to discuss trends and challenges in ornamental horticulture. It also featured a professional tour showcasing Thailand’s innovations in floriculture, sustainability, and international trade.
Thailand is a powerhouse in ornamental horticulture, ranking as the world’s second-largest orchid exporter. In 2023, the country’s ornamental exports reached USD 132 million, with orchids making up 70 per cent of this total. The industry covers over 10,700 hectares, producing 116,330 tonnes of flowers annually. With growing investment in greenhouse technology and sustainability, Thailand continues to be a key player in the global floriculture sector.
AIPH Tour Highlights: Potted Plant Production
Among the AIPH tour highlights, the visit to Kaset 32 Farm, a pioneering horticultural enterprise in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai District is one of the most interesting. Established in 1976, the farm shifted from fruit cultivation to ornamental horticulture in 1994. Spanning seven hectares, 70 per cent of its land is dedicated to greenhouse production.
AIPH delegates explored the farm’s advanced greenhouse systems, which incorporate evaporative cooling and natural ventilation. Sustainability is central to its operations, with soil-less growing methods and a rainwater reservoir for irrigation. In 2023, the farm took a step further by installing a 40kW solar energy system, reducing its carbon footprint by supplying 50 per cent of its electricity needs.
Kaset 32 Farm’s dedication to excellence earned it a Certificate of Merit at the AIPH International Grower of the Year 2025 Awards. AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio commended the farm’s commitment to quality and innovation during the award presentation.
A Sanctuary of Orchid Excellence
AIPH also visited Suan Dao Jamrat Saeng, a renowned orchid nursery in Mae Chan, Chiang Rai. Specialising in traditional orchid cultivation, this nursery plays a significant role in Thailand’s global orchid trade. In 2023, Thailand exported 23 million stems of fresh-cut orchids to the EU, valued at €7.76 million. China is another major market, accounting for 10 per cent of the country’s orchid exports, with high demand for varieties such as Dendrobium, Mokara, Aranthera, Heliconia, and Phalaenopsis.
AIPH delegates were greeted with a grand floral display featuring orchid garlands and traditional Thai performances. The event also provided a platform for leading Thai growers and exporters, including Thaiyo Orchids, Mana Orchids (specialists in black orchids), and a Dracaena sanderiana ‘Lucky Bamboo’ exporter.
Beyond its educational aspect, the tour fostered industry networking, knowledge exchange, and business development. “The AIPH Spring Meeting 2025 showcased how Thailand seamlessly blends tradition with innovation in horticulture. It was a fantastic opportunity for delegates to experience world-class floriculture while forging meaningful industry connections,” said AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe.
AIPH extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives, the Department of Agriculture, the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand, TCEB-Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, headline sponsor Biblo, and Indeed Creation for their invaluable support in making this event a success.
4
0
