Our Advocacy

The IPA offers researchers, propagators, producers, marketers, breeders and educators an open forum of communication and friendship to promote and expand the industry for the benefit of all.

International Protea Association Vision and Mission

The objective of the organization is to develop the Proteaceae plant and cut-flower industry by:

1. Gathering and disseminating information, or the source of information on all aspects of the production of plants, the management of plantations, and the handling of flowers and marketing, world-wide.

2. Stimulating interest in research in all aspects of the industry.

3. Organizing conferences, workshops and other meetings for those involved with the industry.

4. Supporting and participating in any other activity in the development and coordination of the industry as may be determined by the organization.

WHAT IS IPA? WHY BECOME A MEMBER?

International Protea Association was founded to:

  • Share talents and increase our knowledge in the richness of diversity of Proteaceae.

  • Help improvement our professions according to our various interests and areas of activity.

  • Be part of a solid body of professionals who make their voices heard in matters affecting the protea industry locally and worldwide.

  • Channel the concerns and problems related to commercial protea production and marketing.

  • Stay informed in a timely manner of activities that relate to our professional work, such as seminars, lectures, conferences and technical visits.

  • Provide and receive technical assistance from a network of growers, professionals and researchers involved in protea production.

ABOUT ISHS (International Society for Horticulture Science)

The ISHS is the world's leading independent organization of horticulturists acting as a globally recognized and sought-after platform for research, science-based information exchange and collaboration in support of sustainable innovation in horticulture.
Membership is open to all interested researchers, educators, students and horticultural industry professionals.

ISHS Membership

Founded in April 1959 as a global network of horticulturists and horticultural scientists seeking international co-operation, today the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), is a truly global network comprising over 67,000 individuals, universities, governments, institutions, libraries and commercial companies. ISHS has become the largest and most important framework for horticultural science. ISHS membership, offering a unique mix of divisions & commissions, working groups, symposia, publications, mailing lists, online services, ... allows you to develop information networks with colleagues who have similar interests and concerns. Discover job opportunities fast, learn of new techniques and breakthroughs first, and increase your access to scientists who may have solutions to the questions you need to answer today. The ISHS provides its members with a platform allowing them to share knowledge on an international scale.

2025 IPA Conference Purpose

The IPA was started in 1981 as a forum for growers, researchers, plant breeders, nurserymen, and sales and marketing companies to work together for the expansion and development of the international protea industry

The IPWG, started in 1986, is a specialised group of the Ornamentals Section of the International Society of Horticultural Scientists (ISHS), and is the research arm of the IPA.  Joint meetings of the IPA and the IPWG have been held every two to four years since inception, with the resultant publication of the proceedings of symposia in nine series of Acta Horticulturae to date. 

For the 2025 IPA Conference, we will embark on a transformative journey at the forefront of horticulture, guided by our theme: "United by Protea." This conference is more than an event; it's a commitment to cultivating a flourishing future for the Protea industry.

Key Conference Features:

  • Dynamic Program (Tuesday and Wednesday): Engage with thought leaders in Proteaceae, partake in enriching horticultural tours, join discussion panels, and dynamic networking opportunities.

  • Marketing Discussions: Dive into conversations shaping the future of protea horticulture. Learn, collaborate, and contribute to the collective growth of our industry.

  • Exhilarating lineup of farm and nursery tours (Monday and Thursday): Visit Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers, Kendall Farms, Rainbow Protea, Altman Plants and Bandy Ranch Floral.

The format of joint industry and researcher meetings has been very successful in creating an environment for communication and cooperation across the global protea industry. The formal interest of the IPA and IPWG is targeted to South African and Australian Proteaceae. However, the products that most participants in the global “protea” industry work with include all South African and Australian native flora.

BECOME A SPONSOR

Get involved. This bi-annual conference is not just an event; it’s a milestone gathering that promises to shape the future of our industry. By becoming a sponsor, you position yourself at the forefront of proteaceae innovation and excellence. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry leaders and make a lasting impact.