Israel has emerged one of the world's leading exporters of flowers, as
local farmers combine old-fashioned green thumbs with high-tech growing
methods backed up by genetic research and development.
by Simon Griver
Statistics reflect the remarkable growth in Israel's flower exports. Over
the past five years, the number of flowers grown has soared by 70%. In
1996, the country's farmers grew 1.35 billion flowers which earned $180
million, 95% in overseas sales. Initial figures for 1997 indicate a 10%
increase in the number of flowers and a 7% rise in revenue. According to
Ya'akov Siton, director-general of the Israel Flower Council, the
country's 2,500 growers have achieved these increases despite intensified
international competition and the strengthening of the Israeli currency,
the shekel, which makes exports more expensive.
"First and foremost, we have increased efficiency," stresses Mr. Siton.
"Israeli growers now achieve double the number of flowers per acre per
year, as compared to a decade ago. And, if anything, the quality of the
flowers is even better. Genetic research has enabled us to improve quality
and introduce new varieties of flowers." If there is one single
development that has boosted Israeli flower growing, it is the greenhouse.
Enabling the farmer to create his own environment and overcome
restrictions of soil, climate and water, the greenhouse is particularly
suited for growing roses. The best quality soil, combined with the
state-of-the-art, computer-controlled ability to adjust light,
temperature, humidity and irrigation levels according to the season, can
treble and even quadruple flower yields. Over half of Israel's flower
production now takes place in greenhouses.
Greenhouses have also enabled Israeli farmers to send flowers abroad all
year round. In the past, the country's flowers were exported principally
in the winter and spring, especially around Christmas and Easter time,
when flowers grown in the Holy Land have a strong sentimental significance
for European consumers.
Today, Israeli flowers are increasingly finding their way into North
American stores, as well as to flower vendors in the Middle East and Far
East. Still, 70% of Israeli flowers are sold through the Dutch Flower
exchange.
Another factor in the flourishing success of Israeli flowers is R&D.
carried out in Israel in the genetic engineering of plants. This has
enabled both the cloning of good quality bulbs and the development of new
species of, for example, attractively colored anemones, smaller gladioli
and ornamental asparagus. At the same time, rare species of flowers from
Latin America, Africa and Australia have been adapted to conditions in
Israel.
However, for the most part, it is the traditional flowers which dominate
Israeli exports, particularly the rose and the carnation. But the ability
of Israeli growers to provide world markets with these timelessly popular
flowers at affordably competitive prices has been achieved with high-tech
rather than traditional methods.