On Sept. 16, a lively discussion was held with over 50 attendees about undermining in ornamental horticulture, why it happens, examples of how it happens, and most importantly, how you as a company can take steps to work on prevention yourself. This meeting focused on transportation and export companies.

Under the title “Don’t give criminals a chance”, the Weerbare Sierteeltsector approach organized a successful meeting on September 16 in Aalsmeer, together with the Municipality of Uithoorn, Greenport Aalsmeer, police, Royal FloraHolland and Transport en Logistiek Nederland. A large group of over 50 participants from the transport industry and government agencies came together to share knowledge about recognizing and preventing criminal interference.

The police presented instructive case histories from practice and stressed the importance of a crucial message: know who is driving in front of you. Do you know people, talk to them regularly and notice something? Then report it.

A particularly insightful moment was the story of an ex-con who told from his own experience how drug smuggling is handled. With his story, he made business owners aware that employees are often the vulnerable link. There is almost always someone susceptible who will go along with criminals for money or under pressure.

The meeting was interactive and attendees asked many questions. The risks are recognized, but it is also a complex issue. The transportation meeting underscores the importance of joint efforts to protect the floriculture sector from criminal interference. Through preventive measures, knowledge sharing and employee training, entrepreneurs and governments can make the sector safer.