FSI visits Colombia to learn about the sector's environmental practices

On Monday, October 14, Camilo Bleier, Board Member of Asocolflores; Daniela España, Director of Sustainability at Asocolflores and Board Member of the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI); the team from Gaitana Farms; and the FSI team—comprising Jeroen Oudheusden, Executive Officer of FSI; Richard Fernandes, Board Member of FSI representing Southern Hemisphere producers; and Tony Bruggink, Independent Chair of FSI and Board Member—gathered at one of Gaitana's flower farms.

The visit aimed to share ongoing social, environmental, and agricultural practices of Colombian flower growers promoted by Florverde and to exchange experiences and best practices of other subtropical producers as part of a benchmarking exercise.

Key discussions included environmental efforts such as rainwater reservoirs, drip irrigation, and challenges like Water stewardship the use of biocontrols, as well as agricultural practices like Integrated Pest Management (IPM). "These initiatives are key to the ongoing commitment to sustainability within the floriculture sector."