Colombia, renowned for its vibrant cut flower industry, is quietly nurturing another thriving sector – the nursery industry, which operates year-round. In this article, Gustavo Ochoa, Commercial Manager at L&G Agroflowers, a leading supplier of seeds and starting material to Colombian growers, sheds light on the industry’s growth and potential.
The Ideal Climate
Over the past two decades, Colombia’s nursery industry has witnessed rapid expansion. According to Ochoa, several factors contribute to this growth. “Colombia’s strategic location provides an ideal environment for year-round plant production,” he explains. “The availability of a wide range of plant varieties and improved selections has played a significant role. With the return of GLoeckner in 2010, we were able to introduce superior varieties to nurseries. Additionally, Colombia’s population, exceeding 50 million, has seen a substantial increase in malls and department stores, benefiting plant sales. Bogotá, for instance, boasts the largest department store for plant sales in Latin America.”
Key Production Regions
Ochoa highlights several key production areas, with San Antonio del Tequendama standing out, located a short 25-minute drive from Bogotá. “This region features three distinct thermal zones: cold, temperate, and warm, allowing for the cultivation of a wide array of plant varieties, from cyclamens to philodendrons.” Organized production hubs are also prevalent in Antioquia and the Valley.
Challenges and Developments
Reflecting on the industry’s challenges, Ochoa emphasizes the need to educate growers. “For many years, nurseries focused on the ‘reproduction’ concept, which required considerable effort to transition into a ‘renovation’ mindset. This shift enabled companies like Vitro Plus, Syngenta, Dümmen Orange, Beekenkamp, and Ball to establish themselves and their genetics in Colombia successfully.” Ochoa notes that nurseries like Cinco Sentidos have become leaders in multiple genetic programs that are delivered year-round.
Continued Growth in the Nursery Industry
The ornamental plant market in Colombia experiences steady growth each year, with nursery workers increasingly focused on enhancing production. “Many of these individuals began as employees and have now ventured into their crop cultivation,” Ochoa notes. While the majority of plants produced in Colombia are sold domestically, a growing number of companies, such as Bromelias de Colombia, Plantas del Tambo, Vivero Tierra Negra, have started exporting their plants. “While plant exports may not reach the scale of flower exports, it marks a promising start.”
Expoplantas Showcasing Growth
Given the industry’s expansion and developments, Colviveros, the Association of Colombian Nursery Growers, will host Expoplantas from September 20-22. At this event, L&G will present a pavilion showcasing a diverse range of varieties from different breeders, including Dummen Orange, Vitroplus, Panamerican Seed, Morel, Schoneveld, HilverdaFlorist, Benary, and Syngenta. “These plants are cultivated and displayed as a testament to the continuous growth and innovation in our industry,” Ochoa concludes.
The Colombian nursery industry, with its favorable climate, educational advancements, and dedication to quality, stands as a promising and dynamic sector within the country’s horticultural landscape.