Articles
Innovation and sustainability in South American floriculture
Article number
1368_11
Pages
77 – 84
Language
English
Abstract
Commercial floriculture is widely practiced in South America, with almost every country having at least some forms of business development related to flowers or ornamental plants.
Most interesting examples are Colombia and Ecuador standing out as well established, large, year-round exporters of cut flowers to a variety of countries around the world; floriculture in these countries is an important source of revenue and employment.
Chile has developed impressive production and exports of bulbs, taking advantage of inverse seasons with respect to Europe.
And Brazil has a large domestic market, holding the only Dutch-style auction in South America, trading millions of cut flowers and ornamentals per year.
Innovation and competitiveness are key factors in maintaining market share, whether at domestic or international levels, and these increasingly focus on sustainable production practices.
This paper presents efforts and initiatives undertaken in various South American countries where floriculture is relevant, with a view of making a positive difference with minimum negative impacts.
It considers the production process, postharvest management and transport, as well as the distribution and marketing chains.
Further, it discusses sustainability standards/certifications developed and adopted in the region that are well recognized internationally, as well as challenges associated to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most interesting examples are Colombia and Ecuador standing out as well established, large, year-round exporters of cut flowers to a variety of countries around the world; floriculture in these countries is an important source of revenue and employment.
Chile has developed impressive production and exports of bulbs, taking advantage of inverse seasons with respect to Europe.
And Brazil has a large domestic market, holding the only Dutch-style auction in South America, trading millions of cut flowers and ornamentals per year.
Innovation and competitiveness are key factors in maintaining market share, whether at domestic or international levels, and these increasingly focus on sustainable production practices.
This paper presents efforts and initiatives undertaken in various South American countries where floriculture is relevant, with a view of making a positive difference with minimum negative impacts.
It considers the production process, postharvest management and transport, as well as the distribution and marketing chains.
Further, it discusses sustainability standards/certifications developed and adopted in the region that are well recognized internationally, as well as challenges associated to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors
M. Pizano
Keywords
sustainable production, innovation, cut flowers, bulbs, ornamental plants, South America, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile, floriculture, transport, postharvest, global trade
Online Articles (52)