At Rosa Plaza - AQ Roses, everything revolves around quality, reliability and craftsmanship. Our team of enthusiastic and passionate employees goes the extra mile every day to grow the most beautiful roses, that is our craftsmanship. The combination of Ethiopian management and Dutch cultivation specialists creates a unique product, grown according to a formula that helps us get the best out of our cultivation. Flowers, as a living and changing product, require constant care and improvement. That is why we strive to get a little better every day. This approach comes alive in the stories of our Dutch cultivation managers Ron and Dirk, who work in Ethiopia and are happy to share their experiences.
The start of our Ethiopian adventure
The conversation between Ron van der Hoorn and Dirk Looij, both cultivation managers in Ethiopia, begins with a look back at the history of the farm, which has now existed for 17 years. Ron joined from the third year and has seen numerous changes during that time. For instance, he recalls the transition from simple cottages to the solid stone buildings that the farm now has. ‘You came across that in all sides along. But now you just have stone buildings everywhere,’ Ron says.
Craftsmanship is therefore found not only in the care given to the roses themselves, but also in the way the team works together, innovates and constantly improves. Every day is an opportunity to go one step further, and at Rosa Plaza and AQ Roses they are confident that the result of this craftsmanship, both in the farm and beyond, will continue to be visible.
The development of the farm is an important aspect of the craftsmanship used in rose growing. With the introduction of new technologies, such as advanced irrigation systems and computers, the farm has modernised. These innovations make the work more efficient and sustainable, contributing to improving the quality of roses.
Collaboration, commitment and job satisfaction
The success of the farm? The combination of cooperation, commitment and job satisfaction makes both employees and the organisation grow.
At Rosa Plaza - AQ Roses, it is not only the quality of the roses that is key, but also the way the team works together and contributes to the community. Ron and Dirk strongly believe in the importance of open communication and involving local people in the work at the farm. ‘You really have to convince people that things can be done differently, can be done better, can be done easier,’ says Ron. This requires trust and a joint effort to improve processes and increase community impact.
Actively involving employees in decision-making and giving them responsibility creates a working atmosphere where everyone feels valued.
This contributes not only to more efficient processes, but also to a cohesive team in which people can develop. As Dirk says: ‘It's not just working with the crop, but also creating a good atmosphere and strengthening relationships within the team.’ Ron adds: ‘There is nothing better than seeing employees grow. Someone who comes in with little knowledge, but has the will to learn and work together, and eventually grows into a managerial role, that's wonderful.’
Besides the business and technological aspects of the work, there is also room for fun and satisfaction. Ron and Dirk enjoy the daily dynamics, the growth of the roses and the positive feedback from customers. The combination of passion for the trade, cooperation and job satisfaction makes their work special and ensures that Rosa Plaza and AQ Roses continue to flourish.
Innovations and sustainability
The farm has not stood still over the years and has continuously adapted to the changing needs of the market and the environment. Ron and Dirk enthusiastically talk about the innovative improvements that have been made. These include the use of sensors and computers to closely monitor plant growth. This enables them to respond quickly to changes and take optimum care of the plants.
In addition, biological control methods are actively used, minimising the use of chemicals. One of the biggest innovations is the development of a new irrigation system that optimises water consumption and increases the sustainability of the nursery. All these innovations enable the nursery to improve the quality of the roses while working in a more environmentally friendly way.
Looking to the future
The conversation ends with an optimistic view of the future. Ron and Dirk are excited about the opportunity to share their experiences and continue to learn from each other. They look forward to future innovations and collaborations that will allow them to further improve the nursery and continue to strengthen the craftsmanship that is so essential to Rosa Plaza and AQ Roses.
Craftsmanship is therefore found not only in the care given to the roses themselves, but also in the way the team works together, innovates and constantly improves. Every day is an opportunity to go one step further, and at Rosa Plaza and AQ Roses they are confident that the result of this craftsmanship, both in the nursery and beyond, will continue to be visible.
