Philippine flower industry grows as local demand outpaces supply

Demand for cut flowers in the Philippines continues to exceed what local farms can produce, leaving room for more growers despite steep production costs and limited access to financing, according to a feature by Edge Davao.

The country's cut flower trade began in the 1970s, largely as a pastime for hobbyists. By the mid-1980s it had become a major income source, and the government began recognising its economic value, horticulturist Teresita L. Rosario wrote in a paper published by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Rosario also noted that the domestic market is large enough that the country must import some cut flowers.

Production areas now include Baguio City, Benguet, Batangas, Laguna, Cebu, Iloilo, Bukidnon, South Cotabato and Davao, among others. Cooler areas grow chrysanthemums, roses, lilies and anthuriums, while warmer places produce orchids, sampaguita and birds-of-paradise.

In Davao del Sur, vendor Cristina Llanes has run a flower stall at the Public Mall in Bansalan for nearly three decades. She buys from growers in Balutakay, Bansalan, and Kapatagan in Digos City, both on the foothills of Mount Apo. She told Edge Davao that weekends are busiest, as buyers purchase flowers for home altars, and that her blooms are sold in first-, second- and third-class grades at different prices.

Leyte grower Jesus Felipe Subingsubing of JF Healthy Farm in Albuera said the business benefits from steady demand. "There is always an occasion for flowers," he said, adding that growers are few and local supply falls short.

On exports, the report cited Observatory of Economic Complexity data showing the Philippines shipped about $2.37 million worth of cut flowers in 2021, mainly to Germany, France, the United States, Japan and Italy. Bukidnon farmers have reportedly exported to Japan.

Challenges remain. Rosario identified the high cost of greenhouses, irrigation and postharvest facilities, as well as high loan interest rates and collateral requirements that growers rarely meet. Many superior planting materials must be imported. The report also cited a study in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research in which many Filipino flower farmers surveyed reported pesticide-related illnesses, and noted estimates that a single rose needs seven to 13 litres of water. These concerns have led to calls for more sustainable farming methods.