SOUTH AFRICAN FLOWER
EXPORT COUNCIL
SAFEC
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
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
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
SAFEC
 Kwazulu Natal Growers
 Mainly producing Protea varieties
intended for the local market as well as
export.
 Location around Pietermaritzburg and
 Natal mid-lands
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
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
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
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 ?
SAFEC
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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
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
SEEDLING GROWERS
Ornamental Seedlings
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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
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
SEEDLING GROWERS
VEGETABLE 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
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