Cut Flower group plans trip to Fiji

A 20-MEMBER delegation from the PNG Cut Flowers Association is planning a tour to Fiji in October to study the floriculture business there.
They hope to raise FJ$32,000 (K36,393) for the two-week tour.
PNG Cut Flowers Association president Mary Saun said the trip would benefit farmers keen on floriculture as an income-generating activity.
The delegation will comprise farmers from around the country who had been growing dendrobium orchids and anthuriums and have been attending trainings and workshops provided by the association, Saun said.
She said Fiji had a small but well-developed floriculture industry which had a relatively large number of participants primarily rural women.
The visit is timed to coincide with various activities in the floriculture industry in Fiji.  Saun is an avid floriculturist and trainer.
Floriculture is a past-time or backyard activity to farmers and residents in PNG who either do not know or understand the very importance and significance of the industry and what it can do for the country.
“We are trying our best to change this concept and make it an income generating industry of its own here in PNG and elsewhere in the Pacific. This study tour is expected to contribute to the realisation of this potential,” Saun said.
The first fund-raising is a corporate dinner on Aug 17 at the Point Restaurant.
Tickets are selling for K1,000 per person or K10,000 per table and can be obtained from Mary Saun on 7689 4716 or Lynn Lantaca on 7266 4266.