Colombia Will Export Exotic Flowers to Brazil

Colombia will be able to export an exotic species of flower to Brazil starting in February. It is the protea spp. (‘spp.’ referring to a collection of species), a flower for ornamental use that is highly valued for its color and beauty. This was announced by the two countries, after agreeing on phytosanitary conditions.

The opening of this export represents an important opportunity for Colombian flower producers, who will be able to access a new consumer market with significant growth potential, since Brazil is the second largest consumer of flowers in Latin America, with an annual expenditure of around US$1 billion.

Protea and its ornamental uses

The protea, originally from South Africa, is a type of flower cultivated today in several countries around the world. It is very common for ornamental use, thanks to its bright colors and striking shape. In Brazil it is very popular and often used for decorations during events.

Among the phytosanitary requirements agreed by the two countries is that cut flowers must be packed in first-use containers, free of soil, and accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organization, in the Colombian case the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA).

For its part, the Brazilian government will verify that shipments are subject to inspection at the Phytosanitary Inspection point of entry, as well as taking samples for analysis in official laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Employment generation in Colombia

With this agreement, Colombia expects to generate more jobs in the flower sector, which is already very important in the country. In fact, Colombia is the second country in the world in flower bouquet exports, with 1.7 billion US dollars in turnover, only surpassed by the giant of the sector, the Netherlands, which in 2021 had a turnover of 5.7 billion US dollars.

Colombia is positioned as the world’s leading exporter of carnations and professional flower bouquets, 85% of which are sent to the United States, according to the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters, Asocolflores. In fact, the country is the leading supplier of fresh cut flowers to such important markets as the United States.

This generates more than 200,000 formal jobs (direct and indirect), a reality that represents 25% of the formal employment of rural women in the country. This practice represents the largest number of jobs per hectare in agricultural activities, accounting for 80% of total exports, according to Asocolflores.

The flower market is dynamic and growing year after year. Important dates such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day drive international demand. “Colombia has increased its exports. In 2022 it exported more than US$2,052 million, or 320,000 tons of flowers, and the goal for 2023 is to sustain that level of exports,” said Augusto Solano, president of Asocolflores.