Colombian Minister of Agriculture meets with nursery growers

In response to an invitation from the Association of Colombian Nurseries and Ornamental Growers, Colviveros, the new Minister of Agriculture of Colombia, Juan Guillermo Zuluaga, along with Luis Humberto Martinez, the Director of the Colombian Phytosanitary Authority, ICA, toured the main production area of poinsettias of the country located in the department of Cundinamarca. The high representative of the Colombian Government and his delegation got to know the production process of one of the most important nurseries in the country, "Poinsettias de Colombia", and thus to understand the socioeconomic impact of live plants' production.

At the end of his visit the Minister of Agriculture indicated that ornamental plants are a new sector that is gaining a very important space in the country's agricultural economy and will receive all the support of both his Ministry and the phytosanitary authority to strengthen not only the development of the local market but also boost the export of live plants and foliage, which in 2016 exceeded USD16 million.

Nohora Espejo, Poinsettias de Colombia; Luis Humberto Martinez, general manager ICA; Juan Guillermo Zuluaga, new Colombian Minister of Agriculture and Jairo Cadavid, President of Colviveros

Regarding the production of poinsettias in Colombia, Jairo Cadavid, President of Colviveros, estimates that the local Colombian market consumption for the 2017 season will exceed 500,000 plants, and the season's income will generate benefits for about 25,000 families who are in some way related to the nursery industry throughout the country.

For more information:
Colviveros
Jairo Cadavid
presidencia@colviveros.org
www.colviveros.org