Fleuroselect is The international organisation for the Ornamental Plants Industry. Its members are breeders and producers and distributors of starting material (seeds and cuttings) for ornamental plants. These include annuals, biennials, perennials and flowering pot plants. Fleuroselect, together with participating members, conducts TRIALS of new ornamental varieties at 17 private trial grounds across Europe. Entries are evaluated versus existing comparison varieties by expert and independent judges on criteria including innovation, practical use, quality and exclusivity. The Fleuroselect GOLD MEDAL is awarded to new varieties that clearly supersede existing varieties in terms of breeding innovation and beauty. New varieties granted APPROVED NOVELTY status are protected by the membership from reproduction by a gentlemans agreement amongst the members. The FLEUROSTAR awards the winner with the "wow" factor at point of sale. An independent panel of more than 30 expert judges from the industry, including breeders, young plant producers, growers, distributors and trade journalists visit the 9 competition locations to choose the variety that stands out in retail. Fleuroselect carries out regular POLICING CAMPAIGNS against illegal propagation in several countries. An international, biennial MARKET SURVEY studies the sales of seedlings/cuttings to growers. Annual Conventions and Conferences provide unique platforms for colleagues, customers and competitors from all over the globe to meet and conduct business. Fleuroselect is run by the members, for the members. A Board of elected members is supported by various specialised committees. A small secretariat operates from the organisational headquarters in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. The organisation is financed by contributions for membership, by fees for trials and novelty protection and by assessments in the turnover of awarded varieties.