An Overview of ICOGO
The production of pot orchids and cut orchid flowers has been increasing rapidly since the early-1990s. More growers who never grew orchid before become engaged in producing orchids. Orchid production evolves into a true international business.
Since the signing of the CITES in the late 1970s, the movements of orchids across international boundaries have been regulated by this international treaty. Although CTIES was designed to protect the threatened and endangered species of plants and animals, it puts a tremendous burden on growers and traders who export and/or import orchids. Through the efforts of the American Orchid Society and countries having large orchid-exporting businesses, CITES has slowly eased the control of trading on a limited number of commercially-important orchid genera. But, more remains to be done.
During the 8th Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference, which was held in March 2004 in Tianan, Taiwan , Mr. Andy Matsui first proposed the idea of forming a worldwide orchid producers organization. With the help of the organizers of the Taiwan International Orchid Show (TIOS) and through the coordination of Dr. Yin-Tung Wang, Professor of Horticulture at Texas A&M University, an organizational meeting was held in March at the 2006 TIOS. All of the people attending this preparatory meeting expressed high interest in forming an international organization to represent the orchid growers.
A second meeting was held in March of this year at the 2007 TIOS. Mr. Andy Matsui, Dr. David Beck (a cut-flower cymbidium grower in New Zealand) and Dr. Yin-Tung Wang presided at this meeting. Over 70 representatives from several countries around the world in attendance elected Mr. Matsui the first President of the International Commercial Orchid Growers Organization (ICOGO). Dr. Yin-Tung Wang was elected the Executive Secretary. Mr. Matsui donated $50,000 to get the organization off the ground and to start functioning. Two orchid growers, Yupin Biotechnology and ChianHuei Flowers in Taiwan pledged to donate to help with ICOGO.
The Objectives of ICOGO
Develop business models from the experience of successful growers and regions.
Increase orchid trade around the world through more extensive marketing efforts.
Enhance the availability of orchid varieties to benefit all parties in the industry.
Disseminate of information related to orchid production and orchid trade.
Cooperate and support applied research and conservation, that help the advancement of commercial orchid production, with local, regional, national and international research agencies and institutions.
Provide the necessary trade information among the members to enhance orchid trade and cooperation.
The Functions of ICOGO
Develop a system to help and protect the exclusive orchid varieties and exchange of breeding materials among orchid breeders, propagators, and producers worldwide.
Assemble avarious orchid information and assist in developing new techniques for producing orchids more profitably.
Promote the eradication and control of pest (viruses, diseases and insects) and mutations for producing quality plants.
Participate in regulatory activities, i.e., CITES, government regulations, etc. to ease on international orchid trade.
Provide the necessary trade information among members to enhance orchid trade and cooperation.
Conduct trade shows and publish newsletters to enhance communication among the members.
Geographical Regions
Region I: Europe
Region II: The Americas
Region III: North Asia
Region IV: South Asia, Oceania, Australia, New Zealand
Region: V: Africa, Middle Asia
Membership Classes
Full Members
- Commercial orchid growers, production area ≥ 1,000 m2.
- Have voting rights.
Associate Members
- Allied suppliers, equipment & greenhouse manufacturers, orchid-related businesses, employees of Full Members, educators, researchers, members of government and regulatory agencies, orchid organizations, etc.
- Have no voting rights.
ICOGOs headquarters is currently based in the United States and it has been registered with the State of California. The orchid trade has just passed its infancy and there is a tremendous room for growth in the years to come. You are sincerely invited and encouraged to join the membership of ICOGO. We firmly believe that, working together, we can further orchid production and increase the profit for everyone in the orchid business. ICOGO will be glad to hear your views and ideas.