Ethiopian Flowers, Exporters of Ethiopian Flowers
Oh, what a difference half a year makes This call was in reaction to a development where four of the 85 flower farms in Ethiopia, are for still contested reasons, and the entire industry which has now significantly started feeling the pinch of the global economic crisis is having in the 'flamboyant' sector of the country, flower is now faced with a serious market challenge that it is likely to fall short of meeting the target. From the projected 150-170 million dollars revenue the export of flowers is expected to bring into Ethiopia's economy this fiscal year, for example, the producers expect at least a five to 10pc decline. Though there are claims that the reasons are far removed from the global economic slump. Sales forecasts are traditionally pegged to an expected bonanza at Valentine's Day and Mothering Sunday (Europe's version of Mother's Day on March 22). This year Ethio Highland Flora Farm sold 20 to 30 percent fewer flowers, punching a hole in expected revenues and compounding the pain caused by low stem prices. Most of the farm's 400 employees earn less than a dollar a day, but it is a steady wage in one of the world's poorest nations where 80 percent of the population lives off the land. * Earnings still up from previous year But the positive figures belie a dramatic slump in demand for flowers as the global economic crisis forces European consumers, Ethiopia's main market, to curb spending on perceived luxuries. It's a tough blow for Ethiopia, where flower power was touted to supplant coffee as Ethiopia's main export and highest earner of foreign exchange. In the global market, Ethiopian flower exports have increased five-fold between 2006 and 2008. Perhaps in words that brought some relief to those involved in business in the horticulture sector, Meles told the more than 700 people, including exhibitors, attending the opening that the partnership between government and the horticulture sector remains exemplary. Many analysts now fear that, without swift assistance, Ethiopia's nascent flower industry