"If we can do it, why can't chemical suppliers?" says Adrian Moreno of Eternal Flower. This Ecuadorian Gypsophila and Hypericum grower invested years in producing their own organic fertilizers and pesticides. "I think it is good that everyone in the industry sees that it is possible to be a 100% organic farm."
Adrian Moreno at the IFTEX in Nairobi, June 2019, presenting the bronze award he received in the category Best Grower Assorted Cut Flowers in the IFTEX's 2019 Best Grower Quality Competitions. He was the only grower from Ecuador exhibiting at the show.
Eternal Flowers' aim is to become a 100% organic farm and they are planning to reach it in 2020. It all started 8 years ago. It took them 2 years to get an effective biological disinfection product for their soil, by extracting microorganisms from their own sources in Ecuador. "Now, for 6 years already no chemicals for disinfection were put in the soil.
And more is being produced from these resources. "Now, we are producing our own fertilizers and pesticides as well, and more will follow." Based on the knowledge and the origin of most fertilizers and pest control products is natural, and taking into consideration the vast variety of plants, volcanic rocks and more sources of production available in Ecuador, they have decided to take the step, make research and start making their own products that could replace most of the chemicals used at the moment.
It is a time-consuming and costly process, but it is worth it, explains Moreano. "As we already have experienced the free chemical soil disinfection with excellent results, we have started developing natural products to control insects, like Minor Leaf for example. The process will continue to research with products to control fungus and other pests that are in the environment. At the same time, using different natural sources, like volcanic dust, herbs and other products we have begun the development of fertilizers that will do the same job as the ones that we are using at the moment."
According to him, it is important to show the industry that it is possible to become a 100 percent organic farm. "Due to the delicate state of the world´s critical environmental problems, we must find ways to prevent more contamination. Also, at Eternal Flower, we are very concerned about our employees' well-being and health. They are the base of the production in the company. Healthy employees will work better and for sure they will be more happy. Finally, we also believe that our customers will really appreciate receiving flowers that are consciously grown. The trend for the future is to become environmentally safe by being creative. There are no limits to creativity and research. It's a matter of taking the decision of going for it."
For more info
rmation
Eternal Flower
Adrian Moreano
Email: adrianm@eternalflower.com.ec
www.eternalflower.com.ec