The floriculture trade is important to the Dutch economy.  Floricultural businesses in the Netherlands employ some 50,000 people. This does not even include the employment provided by trading companies, seed suppliers, banks, greenhouse builders and other suppliers.  The Dutch auction system has shown its worth in this respect. Over 60% of international trade in cut flowers and 40% of trade in houseplants is conducted via the Netherlands. This of course not only benefits the auctions,  but also processing and reproduction companies, producers, auctions, traders and retailers, supported by banks, marketing companies, packaging businesses, agritechnical companies, transporters and logistical services, knowledge networks, interest groups, research organizations – all of which form a tight cluster that is the basis of the success of floriculture in the Netherlands.

The VBN is the trade organization for Dutch cooperative flower auctions. In this role, the VBN is responsible for representing the interests of Dutch flower auctions at the national and European levels. The VBN’s decision-making process occurs in the VBN board, consisting of the chairmen and general managers of the affiliated auctions.