CATHERINE RIUNGU reports that according to figures from the Horticultural Crops Development Authority, flower export earnings had dropped from $297.2 million to $243.2 million by July
Kenya's flower industry has expressed fears that dropping profits, possible mechanisation of post-greenhouse operations and a hostile business environment could result in massive job losses.
The Kenya Flower Council said late last week that for the first time in 30 years, the flower industry has suffered a 15 per cent decline in profits.
According to figures released by the Horticultural Crops Development Authority, flower export earnings fell from Ksh22 billion ($297.2 million) to Ksh18 billion ($243.2 million) by July. More losses are anticipated following an unusually long warm summer in Europe, which will affect exports since sales are usually high during the cold season.
The big producers, who control more than 50 per cent of flower exports, say they are considering mechanisation of post-greenhouse operations, which will render many workers in the labour-intensive sector redundant. [More...]
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