SHERIDAN, WYOMING – June 13, 2025 – The Industrieverband Garten (IVG) e.V., representing over 150 companies in Germany’s horticulture and garden supply sector, has responded positively to the CDU-SPD coalition agreement, while calling for swift and comprehensive implementation to support industrial and environmental progress.
The association commended the general direction of the newly presented agreement, particularly its references to industrial policy, climate protection, and water strategy. However, it also highlighted missing topics vital to the garden industry — such as rainwater management and professional horticulture — and positioned itself as a constructive partner for the upcoming legislative period.
Strategic Opportunities for the Green Sector
The IVG sees several promising elements in the coalition agreement that align with its advocacy efforts, especially regarding:
- Reducing bureaucracy for businesses
- Strengthening climate adaptation measures
- Advancing industry and resource policies
- Shaping a national water strategy
“Wichtige Arbeitsaufträge wurden im Koalitionsvertrag bereits verankert,” stated Philip Testroet, Deputy Managing Director of IVG, referencing these relevant areas.
Nonetheless, he emphasized that essential terms like “Schwammstadt” (sponge city concept), “Regenwassermanagement” (rainwater management), and “professioneller Gartenbau” (professional horticulture) are absent. Even more critically, the longstanding issue of peat reduction was left entirely unaddressed.
Call for Immediate Focus and Clear Frameworks
The IVG’s position paper underscores that broader societal and economic concerns must be addressed first, establishing improved structural conditions for business and industry. Once these foundations are laid, the sector expects detailed policy attention to follow.
“Aus unserer Sicht muss es in einem ersten Schritt darum gehen, die großen gesamtgesellschaftlichen Themen zu bearbeiten und bessere Rahmenbedingungen für Wirtschaft und Industrie zu schaffen,” Testroet explained. “Daran anschließend sollten dann die spezifischen politischen Fragestellungen bearbeitet werden.”
Ensuring Green Topics Stay on the Agenda
While some policy priorities have been outlined, the IVG warns that complex or lower-profile topics risk falling off the radar of political decision-makers during implementation. These include essential but often overlooked components of the green sector — from its cultural and ecological contributions to the practical implications of water and land use in urban planning.
The association has pledged to engage proactively throughout the legislative period to ensure that the concerns of the garden industry remain part of the national dialogue.
“Der IVG werde sich im Laufe der Legislaturperiode dafür einsetzen, dass hierbei gerade die Themen der Grünen Branche in der politischen Debatte eine Rolle spielen und weitergebracht werden können.”
About IVG
The Industrieverband Garten (IVG) e.V. unites producers across the garden industry — from plant manufacturers to suppliers of forest, garden, and turf care equipment, as well as substrates, plant nutrition, and lifestyle products. Its members serve both the professional and hobbyist markets. The IVG focuses on advocacy, public relations, industry networking, and information dissemination, supporting sustainable development and innovation in the sector.
Learn more at www.ivg.org