AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio honored with Italian knighthood
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio honored with Italian knighthood
Leonardo Capitanio, president of the International Association of Horticultural Producers, has been honored as a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
The honor, known in Italian as Cavaliere al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, is one of Italy's national distinctions recognizing service and contribution to the Republic.
Capitanio is a leading figure in Italian nursery production and is closely connected with Vivai Capitanio and ANVE, the Italian National Association of Nursery Exporters. His recognition comes in a significant year for AIPH and Italian horticulture, with Italy preparing to host the 78th AIPH Annual Congress in Bari from Sept. 13-17.
Following the announcement in late May, Capitanio reflected on the honor, saying that as time passed he realized the greatest emotion was not the title itself but "feeling the weight of responsibility."
"Certain accolades remind you that, willingly or reluctantly, every day you are setting an example to someone," he said.
In his reflection, Capitanio spoke especially about his children and the importance of passing on values through daily actions, including respect, sacrifice, discipline, kindness, healthy ambition and love for work and country.
"I receive this honor with pride," he said, "but above all with the awareness that the most important task remains to be a good example."
As AIPH president, Capitanio plays a leading role in representing the global ornamental horticulture industry and in strengthening international cooperation among growers, nursery producers, associations, cities and horticultural exhibitions.
The International Association of Horticultural Producers warmly congratulates Capitanio on the national honor.
