The floral industry, often characterized by its adaptability and creativity, is witnessing a remarkable transformation in Colombia, thanks to the perseverance and innovation of the Perez family. Eli Perez, the General Manager at Rosamina, a protea and foliage farm, is at the forefront of this floral revolution. The journey of Rosamina, their challenges, and their promising future plans tell an inspiring story of resilience and diversification.
From Roses to Proteas
The Perez family boasts a rich legacy of 33 years in the floral business. Eli’s father, driven by a passion for proteas, took the bold step of introducing these unique flowers to Colombian soil two decades ago. In 2016, they took a significant leap, selling their rose greenhouse to invest in land for growing proteas and foliage. This transition, however, came with its fair share of challenges. Colombia’s climate differs significantly from proteas’ native South African habitat, demanding rigorous experimentation with various varieties and cultivation methods.
“We are still learning and trialing,” Eli Perez acknowledges, emphasizing that adaptability is a cornerstone of their success. Recent innovations include the use of hydroponics for nearly half of their protea crop, providing flexibility and sustainability while safeguarding against soil quality issues.
“We Are Different”
Eli Perez subscribes to a mantra shared by his uncle – “you need to be first, last, or different.” Rosamina embodies this principle. Firstly, their unique flower variety distinguishes them from other Colombian farms. Secondly, their ability to produce proteas year-round is a rare feat. Lastly, their cultivation of Leucospermum and Leucadendron, distinct from the mainstream, showcases their commitment to diversity and experimentation.
Rosamina’s dedication to innovation is evident as they continuously explore new protea varieties, exemplified by their recent production of the King protea, emphasizing that distinctiveness is the key to their growth.
Weather Challenges
The unpredictable Colombian weather, marked by frequent rains and occasional frosts, remains a significant challenge for Rosamina. The absence of greenhouses exposes the protea crop to the elements, leading to losses. “Frosts are terrible,” Eli Perez remarks. During the pandemic, they endured a substantial loss of 50% of their farm due to frost. Recovering the proteas took two painstaking years.
People and Environment
Beyond the crop, Rosamina places a strong emphasis on social and environmental responsibility. The farm practices rainwater harvesting, expands its use of biocontrols, holds the Rainforest Alliance certificate, and plans to install solar panels for energy self-sufficiency. On the social front, employees are treated as an extension of the family and receive support to pursue higher education. The farm’s dedication to its workforce is exemplified by the expansion of the parking lot to accommodate employees’ vehicles.
Increasing Demand
Rosamina’s proteas are experiencing a surge in demand, and several factors contribute to this trend. The flower’s rising popularity, largely due to its beauty and longevity (with a vase life of three weeks), has drawn a keen eye from consumers. To maintain and attract customers, the farm maintains stringent quality control standards.
Moreover, the global production of proteas is on the decline, primarily due to a lack of successors in the industry. As a result, Rosamina’s proteas are gaining recognition under the brand name Global Proteas and are distributed in North America through Splendor.
Expansion Plans
Rosamina’s journey is far from over. The farm’s ambitious expansion plans include both increased size and variety. Currently, half of their area is dedicated to new protea varieties that will soon be in production. In addition, an additional 30 hectares will be added to the farm’s footprint in the coming years.
In conclusion, Rosamina’s remarkable transformation from roses to proteas is a testament to their unwavering commitment to innovation, adaptability, and their willingness to overcome the challenges presented by nature. Their future holds the promise of continued growth and diversification, ensuring a bountiful harvest of proteas for years to come. The Perez family’s journey is not only a success story but also an inspiration to the ever-evolving world of floral farming.