Sustainability is an essential but complex topic that spans a broad spectrum of issues. Its importance in modern agriculture is undeniable. By sharing knowledge, engaging in discussions, and offering practical examples, we can make sustainability more accessible to growers, florists, and consumers alike.
Making Sustainability Manageable
To address its complexity, sustainability must be broken down into manageable parts. One crucial piece of this puzzle is certification which plays a critical role in ensuring sustainable practices across the floriculture industry.
Sustainability Standards in Floriculture
The Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) is a global network aimed at promoting sustainability in the flower supply chain and has helped to make sense of the countless certification programmes.
By 2025, FSI aims for 90% responsibly grown and traded flowers and plants, guided by its “basket of standards,” which includes 16 certifications focusing on:
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- Environmental Responsibility
- Social Responsibility
Certification for South African Protea Growers
To be FSI-compliant, South African growers must obtain the following certifications:
- SIZA Social – Social responsibility
- SIZA Environmental – Environmental stewardship
- Global G.A.P. – Good agricultural practices
All three certifications are mandatory for compliance.
Continuous Improvement and Competitive Advantage
Certification promotes a culture of continuous improvement, empowering growers with data and insights to enhance their practices and produce high-quality, sustainable flowers. Currently, certification distinguishes compliant South African growers from others, but it is expected to become a standard requirement across the industry.
The Road Ahead for South African Growers
Growers supplying directly or indirectly to Royal FloraHolland (RFH) must align with FSI requirements according to the following roadmap:
For Small-Scale Farmers (<€250,000 Turnover), a simplified scheme is being developed. These growers must comply within two years of the scheme’s availability which will be no earlier than January 1, 2027.
The companies within Dutch Flower Group, FM Group, Floral Trade Group and Royal Lemkes have committed to the FSI requirements for purchasing according to the above roadmap.
Floriculture joins hands towards 100%… | Royal FloraHolland
Uniting South African Protea Growers
Through certification and alignment with global standards, South African flower growers can showcase their commitment to sustainability. This not only builds trust within the floriculture industry but also establishes a unified voice for South Africa and the African continent on the global stage.