The members of Royal FloraHolland have voted in favour of the new rates and contribution for 2018. CFO Steven van Schilfgaarde emphasised that the rates proposal is the product of extensive consultation with the members.
Prior to the vote, there was a heated discussion among the members and between the members and the management board. The result of the vote was 73% in favour of accepting the proposal.
Priorities for 2018
In his clarification, Steven van Schilfgaarde talked about the necessity for a new rate structure. It is required to ensure the commitment of members across the entire cooperative. In 2018, with Van Schilfgaarde as CEO, the focus will lie on expanding Floriday, the digital platform for the horticultural sector. Other priorities include the Integrated Logistical Management programme and improving the daily service provision.
Jack Goossens, chair of the Supervisory Board, reviewed the conclusion of the Cooperative 2020 programme, which has resulted in the Members' Council pilot. When designing and setting up the Members' Council, the members were intensively involved through meetings. "I believe that later we shall conclude that Cooperative 2020 was the start of reinventing Royal FloraHolland for the 21st century," said Goossens.
Departure of Lucas Vos
Lucas Vos looked back at the past four years as CEO, and paid special attention to the Royal FloraHolland 2020 strategy. At the end of his speech, he thanked everyone for their teamwork in the past four years, and he wished everyone in the horticultural sector a flourishing future.
During the GMM Joris Elstgeest was reappointed for a last term. Supervisory director Cees van Rijn was not eligible for re-election. In his place Pascal Visée was appointed. He will be chair of the audit committee.