Brighter color
The organic roses are not more expensive than conventional roses, Maria José explains. “Our organic management of all procedures has enabled us to reduce costs and sell at similar prices as the other roses. The color of our roses though is brighter due to the nutritional regime we implemented. We managed to find a balance between all the components required to grow healthy plants and we barely use chemicals, meaning that we have considerably reduced the use of synthetic fertilizers. We work under a strict IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program that is the baseline for our success in producing quality roses. Also, since we have improved the soil structure, we can increase the population of plants in the greenhouse. This means that we can produce more stems per square meter in the same amount of land.”
Transition to organic
Florana Farms has nearly 48 hectares at an altitude between 2800 to 3000 meters above sea level. When they decided to switch to organic growing, they didn’t have to change the greenhouse. They continued using the same greenhouse and equipment they had. It is the way to grow the roses that is completely different than conventional roses.
"We first focused on recovering the soil to provide a strong environment for the microbiota living in the soil. Then we started to feed the plants in such a way that they could defend against pests and diseases by themselves and without any added chemicals. In the process we noticed that growing organic means to interact with all, the good and the harmful microorganisms from the soil, water and air. We do not kill any of the “bad microorganisms” that harm the plant, but we keep them at very low concentrations so they do not cause major problems for the roses. We learned how to preserve life as we produce great quality roses.”
Producing humic acids
Florana Farms makes the humic acids themselves to improve the soil structure. “Conventional agriculture has basically destroyed our soils, the abuse of synthetic fertilizers has caused the reduction of the microbiota and caused severe changes in the structure so most of the nutrients are locked in the clay and the plants cannot uptake them. So it became a vicious cycle of adding more and more synthetic fertilizers, killing the soil microbiota and harming the soil at levels that the plants could not grow anymore.”
“Humic acids are made of Leonardita, an ancient plant material that originated from the transformation of turf and lignite during millions of years. Leonardita undergoes an alcalinic extraction through agitation and rest. One of the many advantages we can attribute to the use of humic acids is the solubility of nutrients in the soil. The complex molecules of humic acids interact with the soil and organic matter exchanging ions and cations, releasing and transporting nutrients for the plant. The most important role of humic acids in the soil is the improvement of the structure that leads us to pH stabilization, better water retention, and proper aeration for the soil microbiota. Using humic acids constantly helps provide better conditions for roots and microorganisms.”
Growing demand
“Right now, people are more aware of organic edible products like fruits or vegetables, not yet so much flowers. The demand from the market is still small with only a few customers seeking organic roses, but the demand is growing as more people become aware of organic products' benefits and why they’re a better option than conventional products.”
Future plans
Florana Farms has two labs that are dedicated to research, investigation, and production of the organic products that they apply to the roses. We are constantly innovating to see what works better for certain diseases and pathogens on the roses. Also, we’re working on a new brand ‘Ecoalternativas’. All the organic products that Florana produces, like biopesticides, biostimulants and soil conditioners will be sold under this name. “We are starting to commercialize these products. We have seen successful trials in all types of crops like banana, potato, grass, and even shrimp farming (aquaculture). We are very excited for this and hope to continue working on projects that are safe for the environment and everyone in general.”
More information
Florana Farms
Ecuador:+593-2600-1700
USA:+1-305-432-5127
sales@florana.ec
www.florana.ec