Colombia maintains its seat at the AIPH Board of Directors

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has elected José Antonio Restrepo Rada, General Manager of AYURÁ S.A.S. and Chairman of the Board of Asocolflores, as a member of its Board of Directors representing Region V (South America).

The appointment was confirmed on March 9, 2026, during the AIPH General Assembly held as part of the organization’s Annual Meeting in Sydney, Australia, taking place from March 8 to 12. The meeting gathers leaders of the ornamental horticulture industry from around the world to discuss key challenges, emerging opportunities and the future direction of the sector.

Restrepo’s election strengthens the representation of Colombian floriculture in global industry discussions. As the world’s second-largest exporter of cut flowers, Colombia plays a strategic role in the international horticulture landscape, contributing technical expertise, market experience and a long-standing commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Participation in the governing body of AIPH provides opportunities for Colombia to contribute directly to discussions that shape the industries´ priorities, standards and long-term development. It also enables closer engagement with global trends in sustainability, market dynamics, regulatory developments and innovation—factors that increasingly influence the competitiveness of the international flower industry.

Restrepo’s appointment also reflects a broader trajectory of international leadership within Colombian floriculture. The sector has previously been represented in global industry organizations by Augusto Solano Mejía, who during his time as president of Asocolflores became one of the most influential voices in global floriculture.

Solano actively participated in international industry associations and represented Colombian floriculture in numerous global discussions. In 2022 he was elected President of the Board of Union Fleurs, becoming the first representative from the Americas to hold that position—an appointment that reflected the growing influence of Colombia within the global flower industry.

This continued representation demonstrates that Colombia’s presence in global industry governance is not an isolated development but part of a long-standing institutional trajectory. Over decades, the Colombian floriculture sector has built a reputation as a reliable producer, an innovator in sustainability practices and a strategic partner within international markets. With leaders now participating in key decision-making forums, Colombia is not only exporting flowers to more than 100 destinations worldwide—it is also contributing to the conversations that shape the future of ornamental horticulture globally.

For more information:
Asocolflores
www.asocolflores.org