A Naivasha-based flower company has been named the most Innovative African Flower Producer for its sustainable development of products and socially driven projects.
Hamish Ker received the award on behalf of Oserian Development Company – Kenya’s largest flower grower – from John Owles, Sainsbury’s project manager for East Africa
Ker said the farm remained committed to reduced chemical use in its greenhouses where they had put in place multiple water conservation measures that include the use mineral-rich water to grow their flowers without using soil, construction of wetlands and a computerised irrigation system.
“Oserian’s motto, ‘green by name green by nature’, is anchored in the greenhouse heating project where geothermal sourced gas is used to provide natural heat thereby integrating pest management, which has enabled significant reduction of pesticides use,” said Ker.
Owles said the Sainsbury chain of supermarkets was serious in ensuring not only quality of products but ensuring their suppliers in Africa adhered to their laid-down regulations for chemical free products, better welfare for workers and involvement of local companies in supporting socially driven communal projects.
“This award is a clear sign that Sainsbury’s is serious about quality and is aimed at forging closer relationships with the supermarket’s suppliers in Africa,” he said.
“Sainsbury will continue supporting Oserian’s initiatives as part of its efforts to sustainably grow the flower industry in Kenya.”
Oserian currently stands at the industry forefront as the largest multi-crop farm in Kenya with the most technologically advanced flower farm in the country and a global leader in sustainable and ethical practice.
Started as a small mixed farm in 1982, Oserian has grown to over 200 hectares under cut flowers-mainly roses, carnations and statice.