The Koninklijke Algemeene Vereniging voor Bloembollencultuur, translated from Dutch as the Royal General Association for Bulb Culture, but more commonly known world-wide by the acronym of KAVB, is a trade association for the bulb horticulture sector, and was established in 1860. The association has a rural organization, within which regional groups and departments are active.[1]
The main activities of the association is its collective protection of members interests, and knowledge - and provision of information, and specialized service.
The KAVB has approximately 2,200 members. Most of the members are independent entrepreneurs active in the introduction, production and trade of bulbs and bulbous flowers.[2] The association represents the majority of participants in the Netherlands participating in the bulb sector.
The bulb sector in the Netherlands has a strong position on the world market. Approximately 70% of the world's production and 75% of the trade are realized in the Netherlands. Moreover, the production of bulbs and bulbous flowers abroad is mostly in Dutch hands. At the rural secretariat of the KAVB 20 employees are operative. The majority have daily contacts with members, and governments. Regional secretaries support the association work for the departments and groups in the various regions.[3]
The KAVB acts as the International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) for all Bulbous, cormous and tuberous-rooted ornamental plants, excluding Dahlia Cav., Lilium L., Narcissus L., Nerine Herb. and various Australian genera (1955)
The full list is as follows: