Little wonder, then, that flowers and plants play such a large role in this small country. Not only are flowers populary given by the Dutch as gifts, they are also an important source of income as a major export product. Many factors have contributed to the success of Dutch floriculture. There is a long tradition of flower and plant production in the Netherlands. Experience and know-how have been passed on from generation to generation.
Many nurseries are family businesses run by hard working and flexible individuals.
Expertise is stimulated by a good system of horticultural education, extention and study groups. Floriculture is a highly competitive sector and constant alertness is a must. New innovations are generated by scientific research. There is a strong infrastructure, with production and trade concentrated in a limited number of major centres. The efficient distribution system allows growers to specialize and to produce large quantities with a high cost-efficiency.