Overview
Open to IPPS-Southern Region Members 35 years old or younger or SR members new to the industry. One of the pre-requisites is that applicants give a 20-minute presentation at the European Region Annual Meeting during the meeting and submit a paper for the European Region IPPS proceedings. This program should relate to your experience in plant production. Additionally, you will give a 20-minute presentation and submit a corresponding paper at the Southern Region Annual Meeting the following year, showcasing your experience as the Exchange Delegate.
2024 Exchange Program Details
Arrive at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR)
Travel with host to European Region Meeting in London area 8-11 October 2024
Depart from London Heathrow International Airport (LHR)
*Exact travel dates will be established by European Region Host and Scholarship Awardee
Application deadline is June 1. See below for application form (click "Download document")
Remarks from 2023 Exchange Program representative Teagan Young:
In 2023, I had the honor of being selected as the Southern Region representative for the International Exchange Program with the European Region. This transformative journey unfolded during the European Region's annual meeting in Scandinavia, taking me through captivating landscapes and rich cultural experiences. The contrasting landscapes, engaging discussions, and authentic meals set the tone for an immersive experience.
The 2023 IPPS European Region Conference, themed "It's All About the Roots," offered a comprehensive exploration of soil and nutrient dynamics crucial for cultivating robust plant roots. Held from October 11th to 13th, the conference comprised two days of insightful bus tours and a third day dedicated to presentations. A significant challenge addressed was the prevalent use of 100% peat moss soils in Scandinavian and European nurseries, in contrast to the United States' diverse soil mixtures.
The conference commenced with a bus tour to Stångby Plantskola in Sweden, notable for its innovative approach to plant selection and root growth enhancement using unique pots. The tour continued to Spender Plant, specializing in E-Plants and custom compost tea, emphasizing technical solutions and regenerative agriculture. Klinta Trädgård, owned by Peter Korn, showcased a unique approach to plant cultivation in sand and mycorrhiza-rich soil, challenging conventional practices.
The Danish leg of the tour explored Gunnar Christensens Planteskole, emphasizing water conservation and alternative growing media through workshops. Insights into container trials, eco-friendly practices, and biostimulants were shared. The tour continued to Nordic Harvest, a vertical farm focused on sustainable food production, emphasizing daily care, controlled environments, and plans for significant expansion. The day concluded at Pometet, a research center dedicated to preserving fruit tree varieties, contributing to the Nordic Genbank, and fostering awareness of fruit species diversity.
The conference provided a holistic view of Scandinavian horticulture practices, highlighting challenges, innovative solutions, and sustainable approaches to soil management and plant cultivation. The various encounters and perspectives exchanged throughout the tours emphasized the significance of tackling root health and promoting soil sustainability in present-day horticulture.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the IPPS-Southern Region board for appointing me as the 2023 Southern Region representative. A special acknowledgment is due to my generous hosts, Louise, Bent, and Anja, whose hospitality added warmth to this extraordinary journey. I am also thankful to the remarkable individuals I had the pleasure of meeting during the conference and the enlightening tours with my hosts. This truly unique experience significantly enriched my understanding of global horticultural practices and highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship on a global scale.