A blooming industry

THE PNG Cut Flower Association is embarking on a flower study tour to Fiji from 7 – 14 October.
The study tour group will be made up of flower farmers and growers from a number of provinces in the country that have active participation in the Cut Flower Association of PNG.
The main ones are from National Capital District, West New Britain, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, Milne Bay, East Sepik and Western Provinces.
The purpose of the study tour will provide awareness and insights among flower farmers and florists to develop and grow the ornamental horticulture industry in Papua New Guinea.
The planned study tour will address viable production, harvest and post harvest handling of ornamental horticultural products and sustainable marketing structures. It will also focus on small business development and aspects of ornamental value chain as well as identifying niche markets for cut flowers and foliage.
The PNG Cut Flower Association began the process of registration in 2009 and completed the process last year with the opening of its bank account.
Beginning 2009 and to 2012 the Cut flower Association has staged its annual flower show with kind support from a number of business houses in Port Moresby.
The show has brought flower farmers from NCD, Central, Maprik, Goroka, Kiunga, Lae, East and West New Britain.
Cut flower sales during the flower shows have yielded between K20,000 to K30,000 over a six days show.
The Association has actively promoted floriculture training and awareness among flower farmers and the initiative to tour Fiji is the next stage in exposing PNG flower farmers to an established and organised floriculture industry within the Pacific.
For more information or to assist contact:
PNG Cut Flower Association
P. O. Box 4313
BOROKO, NCD
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Ph:  72666389 / 76894716 (Mrs Mary. E. Saun) or Ph: 7266 4266 (Mrs Lyn Lantaca)