Colombia’s flower production traditionally thrives in the Cundinamarca and Antioquia Departments, comprising 99% of the nation’s floral output, while the coffee region accounts for a mere 1%. According to Julian Perez of Major Farm Direct and Florius Flowers, this disparity represents a missed opportunity for the country’s growers. In this article, Perez outlines the distinct advantages that the coffee region in Colombia offers for the floriculture industry and discusses how his own farms are flourishing in this promising area.
Unlocking Opportunities in the Coffee Region
Perez, speaking at the Proflora event, emphasizes the untapped potential of the coffee region. One major advantage is its relative newness for flower cultivation, offering quality on par with the more established flower-growing regions in Colombia. The region’s varying sea levels further facilitate accelerated growth rates. For instance, while Lisianthus production in the Bogotá savanna area typically takes 20 to 30 weeks, in the coffee region, it’s a remarkably shorter 9 to 13 weeks. With altitudes ranging from 600 meters to 2,500 meters above sea level, the coffee region caters to the needs of various flower varieties. Moreover, the land in this area is still pristine, attracting foliage growers from the Bogotá savanna who seek refuge from disease challenges.
Perez underlines that the “rolling terrain” and “ladera” (hillside slopes) in the coffee region provide unique advantages, making it highly suitable for floriculture.
Cost Efficiency in the Coffee Region
The cost dynamics in the coffee region differ significantly from more renowned flower regions in the country. A piece of land similar to Perez’s in other regions would cost around $125,000, whereas in the coffee region, it’s just $12,500, a mere tenth of the price. Labor-wise, the coffee region benefits from a surplus of skilled coffee pickers, whose expertise readily translates to flower care. Additionally, female labor participation in this region is more flexible, ensuring the availability of labor when needed.
Contrary to a common misconception, transportation from the coffee region is not as challenging as perceived. Perez dispels this myth by highlighting the region’s strong connection to the airport, ensuring efficient transport for flowers. The recent introduction of tunnels connecting the coffee region to Cundinamarca has further eased transportation, reducing travel times compared to the congested routes to El Dorado airport in Bogotá.
Thriving Farms in the Coffee Region
Perez, with 18 years of experience in the foliage business, manages Major Farm Direct, a 10-hectare farm, producing various grass varieties and shipping approximately 250,000 stems per week. His primary markets include the Bogota Bouquet Makers, the Netherlands, and the United States. Perez passionately supports the floral developments in the coffee region, a sentiment that led to the growth of Florius in the area.
In 2016, Perez connected with Willum van den Hoogen of Florius in Dubai, who was already involved in flower cultivation in Kenya and Ethiopia. Perez introduced him to the coffee region, which subsequently became the cultivation ground for Veronicas and various other flowers. Today, around one million Veronicas leave the farm each month, with 16 hectares currently in production. Future expansion plans include scaling up to 100 hectares and diversifying their assortment of flowers.
Perez concludes by emphasizing that the coffee region represents the next frontier for floriculture in Colombia and will undoubtedly play a significant role in the industry’s development in the country.