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EDITOR’S NOTE
Turning a
new leaf
As we reflect on the prospects and challenges for
flower growers in 2014, I relish the opportunity
to thank all our avid readers for their invaluable
support that has enabled us to make continuous
improvements to our newsletter.
As growers intensify production, it is also important
to highlight that the major retail chains in Europe
are inclining towards certification processes and are
increasingly demanding that all suppliers of cut
flowers abide by strict international certification
standards such as Fairtrade labelling (FLO), Milieu
Programma Sierteelt (MPS), Global gap and Kenya
Flower Council (KFC) certifications among others.
Furthermore, some of the retail chains are also
setting additional standards in terms of sustainable
production.
With the ever increasing expectations from the
retail chains, the Kenyan growers cannot afford
to overlook the importance of certification. In
spite of the demanding critical compliance criteria
that growers have to contend with, attaining
internationally recognised certification standards
will progressively become a prerequisite to gain
market access as well as a competitive advantage.
The Negotiations between the East African
Community (EAC) and European Union (EU)
officials on the Economic Partnership Agreement
are still ongoing. The major outstanding issues have
now been reduced to three; governance, export taxes,
and subsidies. These are expected to be resolved by
the Ministerial Council meeting expected to happen
before end of May 2014.
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In the event that a deal is not reached, then
Kenyan flowers will attract import duty ultimately
diminishing the competitiveness of the Kenyan
flowers in the global markets. However, there is hope
that the government is committed to ensuring that
the negotiations are finalized before the October
2014 deadline.
New market opportunities for Kenyan flower
growers in Asia and the US are beckoning as
airlines explore direct flight options from Kenya.
This will be a good chance for growers to augment
the traditional EU markets. Direct flights to these
new markets will increase exports due to reduced
freight costs, making the produce relatively
cheaper when it gets to the market. Access to the
lucrative US market is expected to cushion Kenyan
growers during downside periods in Europe though
mainland Europe takes nearly 90 percent of cut
flower exports from Kenya and still remains the
country’s single biggest export market.
In line with our vision of “bringing plant potential to
life” we recently introduced Hicure, an amino acid
based biostimulant, for use in cut flowers. In this
edition of floriNEWS, we will be featuring a grower
who has experienced yield and quality benefits by
consistently using Hicure®. With great conviction, I
feel certain that you will be greatly informed on the
current trends and developments by our columnists.
Wishing you a favourable and productive season!
Victor Juma
Business Manager East Africa,
Lawn and Garden