SOUTH AFRICAN FLOWER EXPORT COUNCIL

1. SOUTH AFRICAN FLOWER EXPORTCOUNCIL SAFEC

2. SAFEC • South Africa is very rich in natural flora and as such has a very active cut flower industry • Indigenous and exotic flowers are produced for both local and overseas markets

3. SAFEC • There are a number of associations which are represented by SAFEC • 1. PPSA – Protea Producers of South Africa • 2. KZN FLOWER GROWERS - Kwazulu Natal Flower Growers Association • 3. SAFGA – South African Flower Growers Association

4. SAFEC • PROTEAS & FYNBOS • Mainly grown in the Western and Southern Cape coastal regions • In the early days flowers were picked in the veld • Now most of these flowers are grown commercially and new varieties are bred • Improved quality required for export

5. SAFEC • Kwazulu Natal Growers • Mainly producing Protea varieties intended for the local market as well as export. • Location around Pietermaritzburg and • Natal mid-lands

6. SAFEC • South African Flower Growers Assoction • Growers mainly centred around Jhb but also in Mpumalamga and Limpopo as well as in the Free State • Main products are Roses, Chrysanthemum, Carnation and other seed grown flowers

7. SAFEC • Some prodcution figures: • Estimated value of flowers produced in South Africa - R 1 billion Estimated Export of flowers to overseas countries - 2007 R 415 million • Main export varieties are Proteas, Fynbos, Roses, Leather Fern, Strelitzias and other horticultural products such as bulbs, trees, shrubs and cuttings. • The local market for cut flowers is dominated by farmers selling their products at Multiflora, the flower auction in Johannesburg. • Also direct sales from farmers to wholesalers and florists

8. SAFEC • Why is flower production important ? • 1. It is intensive and requires a lot of labour as compared to other agricultural activities. An average of 10 people per ha • It is an ideal product for small scale farmers because of its high yield per area cultivated

9. SAFEC • Total estimate – 1000 commercial flower growers in South Africa • Total estimated 200 ha greenhouses under flower production • Total estimated open land flower production ? • Total estimated number employed in flower growing ?

10. SAFEC • The future ! • Is there scope for expansion ? • If yes, what do we require ? • Education and Training! • Example Timbali/Amablom • Land and water resources • Financial backing

11. SAFEC • Markets • Local market is well supplied • Export market has potential ! a. Market research – what to grow ? b. Export quality – production structures c. Price must be competitive

12. SEEDLING GROWERSOrnamental Seedlings • Seedlings of flowering plants • Intensive and technical ! • Requires high capital input such as • Sowing machines, Germination rooms Greenhouses and Shade areas • Product in small containers i.e. Pots and bags, 6 packs and other types of trays

13. ORNAMENTAL SEEDLINGS • Requires good transport system for delivery to retail outlets • Prices very competitive • Needs intensive training because of large number of different varieties • No official training centres for ornamental seedling growing in South Africa. • Not profitable on a small scale

14. SEEDLING GROWERSVEGETABLE SEEDLINGS • By far the largest seedling industry • Growers grow large quantities for commercial vegetable growers • Can start on a small scale with less capital requirements • Provides labour opportunities • Hand sowing, Sowing shed, Shade nets • Fewer varieties – less technical

15. VEGETABLE SEEDLINGS • Main varieties • Cabbage, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion Spinach • Mainly grown in “200” polystyrene trays for commercial farmers • Also market for private home gardens in smaller containers – ideal for rural areas • Can be profitable on a small scale