There is a registry that Flowers Cultivation in Colombia started back in 1965. However, its development and technification started approximately in 1992. Currently the export of cut flowers has become one of the most important items in the growth of the country.
At present, the country has 75,000 hectares dedicated to the production of flowers, which leads to annual export over US $ 1,300 million.
The flowers exports increased by 8% in value and 3.5% in volume in the first semester of 2017, compared to 2016. Up to August 2018 – there was a 3.9% increase compared to the last year.
The main export destinations are the United States and Japan, other significant markets are: United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Holland.
The growth trend was mainly due to the increase in carnation and hydrangea exports. In fact, Colombia is considered the main provider of carnations, according to Asocolflores.
The 70% of the national production of flowers – comes from La Sabana of Bogotá. And 27% – comes from Río Negro, leaving the rest for the Eje Cafetero.
Agronomists of La Sabana are specialized in producing roses, carnations and alstroemerias. Antioquia, on the other hand – is the source of chrysanthemums and hydrangeas. While in the Eje Cafetero they have preferred to cultivate foliage and tropical flowers. The flower industry generates 14 job places per hectare. According to the Asocolflores’ records, although the flowers are only 7% of the national agricultural production (the largest is the sugar cane), the floriculturists contribute with 16% of total income from the entire agricultural sector.
Main flower varieties for export are: Carnations, for which United States and Japanese markets are important; Chrysanthemum – mainly for Japan, where it is considered a national flower. And finally the rose, which for its beauty is always desired in the different world markets. Other major exported flowers are hydrangeas, foliages and tropical flowers.
It is estimated that for the coming years the development and growth of the fresh cut flower exports industry in Colombia will increase, thus gaining an important space on the world market.
Text of this article was composed thanks to materials, taken from the following links:
La Floricultura Colombiana de Exportación
Floricultores le apuestan a depender menos de San Valentín
Colombia exportó US$785 millones en flores al mundo en el primer semestre
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