GBD explained: towards a new collection model

The Flower Council of Holland is there for all entrepreneurs in the sector. Independent collective financing is part and parcel of this. Royal FloraHolland will discontinue its collection efforts for our activities as of 1 January 2024.

A General Binding Declaration (GBD) will be used to help all growers and traders to contribute and to create an independent form of collective financing. This means we can all work together to promote and nurture the sector as a whole.

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The main ins & outs

• The following parties will contribute to the GBD:
  • Dutch growers and wholesalers who sell their products in Europe; 
  • International members of Royal FloraHolland and the Association of Wholesale Trade in Horticultural Products (VGB) who sell their products in Europe; 
  • Companies with an annual turnover of over €100,000.
• The GBD applies to all nurseries and companies in cut flowers and house plants. Transactions outside of Royal FloraHolland will also be taxed. 
• No changes will be made to tax rates. Growers will continue to transfer 0.2% of their turnover and traders will be subject to a sliding scale from 0.19% to 0.06% of purchase costs. 
• The GBD will be in place for four years (2024 -2027). 
• An external administration firm is responsible for collection activities.

The consensus test
Between 27 March and 7 April 2023, growers and traders will have the chance to express their views on the introduction of a GBD via a so-called consensus test. Directors, owners, and major shareholders will be eligible to vote. Voting will be done online and is being managed by the independent research firm Motivaction. People who are eligible to vote will be contacted directly by e-mail wherever possible. The entire process will also be monitored by an independent accountancy firm (Flynth).

GBD in three steps

• Take part in the online voting between 27 March and 7 April 2023. Owners, directors, and major shareholders will be eligible to vote. 
• Once the voting closes, Brancheorganisatie Sierteeltproducten (a professional body for the horticulture sector) will assess the results and submit the GBD application to the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality.
• The Ministry will first submit the application to the European Commission for approval, after which a decision will be made by the Minister for Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality.

A vote for the GBD is a vote for a strong horticulture sector
 

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• GBD explained: towards a new collection model >
• How the Flower Council of Holland is also changing >
• Frequently asked questions and answers > 
• Changing times >
• Publications in Dutch trade journals > 
• Handout >

                
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