Flowers and ornamental plants in Israel
Review of Israely Industry
Flowers and ornamental plants account for 8.0% of Israel's total agricultural production,
and 3 - 1.2% of the country's total fresh agricultural export. In 2002, Israel produced
1.2 billion flowers on an area of 2,750 hectares, 78% of which are destined for export
throughout the year, mainly to Europe.
Israel's flower sector is relatively small by international standards, but it is profitable. The average flower farm is about 1.8 hectares. The farmers' expertise, combined with support from and collaboration with research institutions and extension services, contribute to the high quality and wide variety of flowers, which number over one hundred.
Although the number of flower growers is constantly decreasing, production has remained stable due to technological advances and an intensive production system. Varieties of Cut Flowers and Acclimatization of New Varieties Dozens of flower varieties are grown in Israel, including roses, ornamental plants, Gypsophila, wax flowers, Solidago, Limonium, lisianthus (Eustoma), gerbera, Hypericum, and Anemone.
In the past, traditional varieties (such as rose, gerbera and carnation) accounted for about 80% of total flower production. Today, these varieties account for less than 40% of total flower production.
The rapid research and development period for new cut-flower varieties, until they become commercial, is due to the joint efforts of floriculture extension workers, the Flower Board, the Growers' Association, researchers, and the growers themselves.
New varieties include acclimatized "summer flowers" from Europe, which are picked and exported mainly during Europe's winter season; various acclimatized flowers indigenous to the Southern Hemisphere; development of local varieties and acclimatized native wild flowers that have commercial potential.
The new varieties have been developed to suit the changing demands of the world market, from fragrant, colorful and fruit-bearing branches to flowers that are considered environment friendly.
Israeli flower growers have also joined MRS, a project sponsored by the Netherlands to promote environment friendly flower production. Seasonal Production Originally, emphasis was placed on developing growing methods for winter flower production, through greenhouse and climate-control technologies. Today, some 50% of all flower produce is grown year-round in advanced, computerized greenhouses.
Israel's flower sector is relatively small by international standards, but it is profitable. The average flower farm is about 1.8 hectares. The farmers' expertise, combined with support from and collaboration with research institutions and extension services, contribute to the high quality and wide variety of flowers, which number over one hundred.
Although the number of flower growers is constantly decreasing, production has remained stable due to technological advances and an intensive production system. Varieties of Cut Flowers and Acclimatization of New Varieties Dozens of flower varieties are grown in Israel, including roses, ornamental plants, Gypsophila, wax flowers, Solidago, Limonium, lisianthus (Eustoma), gerbera, Hypericum, and Anemone.
In the past, traditional varieties (such as rose, gerbera and carnation) accounted for about 80% of total flower production. Today, these varieties account for less than 40% of total flower production.
The rapid research and development period for new cut-flower varieties, until they become commercial, is due to the joint efforts of floriculture extension workers, the Flower Board, the Growers' Association, researchers, and the growers themselves.
New varieties include acclimatized "summer flowers" from Europe, which are picked and exported mainly during Europe's winter season; various acclimatized flowers indigenous to the Southern Hemisphere; development of local varieties and acclimatized native wild flowers that have commercial potential.
The new varieties have been developed to suit the changing demands of the world market, from fragrant, colorful and fruit-bearing branches to flowers that are considered environment friendly.
Israeli flower growers have also joined MRS, a project sponsored by the Netherlands to promote environment friendly flower production. Seasonal Production Originally, emphasis was placed on developing growing methods for winter flower production, through greenhouse and climate-control technologies. Today, some 50% of all flower produce is grown year-round in advanced, computerized greenhouses.
Direct Marketing
The flower sector is based mainly on direct contacts between the local growers
and their regular customers abroad.
- About 60% of output is sold directly from the Israeli grower to flower auctions in Western Europe.
- Some 20% is sold directly to buyers through the auctions, with a fixed price, as a long- or short-term deal.
- The remaining 20% of flower production is sold on wholesale markets in various Western European countries, the USA, and Eastern Europe.
Small quantities are exported to Asian countries, mainly Japan. Agrexco - a semi-governmental company and Israel's largest exporter of fresh agricultural produce - handles flower export together with some private companies. The chain of post-harvest handling and storage - from the moment the flowers are picked until their arrival on the customer's shelf in Europe - is strictly maintained in order to guarantee the highest standards of quality and reliability. Traditionally, flowers and ornamentals, which are relatively perishable products, are sent by cargo planes and regular scheduled flights. Recently, following intensive efforts, sea shipment has become an option. Before a variety is transported by sea, careful research is conducted to learn whether sea shipment is feasible, and the best methods are examined.
- About 60% of output is sold directly from the Israeli grower to flower auctions in Western Europe.
- Some 20% is sold directly to buyers through the auctions, with a fixed price, as a long- or short-term deal.
- The remaining 20% of flower production is sold on wholesale markets in various Western European countries, the USA, and Eastern Europe.
Small quantities are exported to Asian countries, mainly Japan. Agrexco - a semi-governmental company and Israel's largest exporter of fresh agricultural produce - handles flower export together with some private companies. The chain of post-harvest handling and storage - from the moment the flowers are picked until their arrival on the customer's shelf in Europe - is strictly maintained in order to guarantee the highest standards of quality and reliability. Traditionally, flowers and ornamentals, which are relatively perishable products, are sent by cargo planes and regular scheduled flights. Recently, following intensive efforts, sea shipment has become an option. Before a variety is transported by sea, careful research is conducted to learn whether sea shipment is feasible, and the best methods are examined.
Computerized Information
Since 1975, market data have been relayed in real time directly to the grower
through computers, ensuring that the picking time meets customer demands.
Communication means have changed drastically since then;
most communication is now through the <Internet.
Growers rely on data for making decisions on quantities, qualities and destination of their products. Documentation is also available. By entering various details of the crop, the grower receives market information, comparative data on crops and varieties over a number of years and other information.
The Agricultural Extension Service has established a website.
This site includes economic information on flower production and handling instructions, and guidelines on disease prevention, pest control, fertilization, and processing. Plants, Propagation Material and Flower Bulbs Israel exports a variety of plants and propagation material, including cuttings, seedlings for the home garden, cut flowers, pot plants, tissue culture material, bulbs, corms and seeds. Exports of these products are constantly increasing and today reach over $50 million annually.
Recently, export of plant and propagation material has increased significantly, due to increased demand and an intensive effort to meet the high quality required by European and American standards.
Israel also produces a wide range of flower bulbs, many of which are unique to the country. The bulbs are used for cut flowers, as well as for garden and pot plants. In addition to propagation material, Israel exports a wide variety of flowering pot plants as a finished product.
Growers rely on data for making decisions on quantities, qualities and destination of their products. Documentation is also available. By entering various details of the crop, the grower receives market information, comparative data on crops and varieties over a number of years and other information.
The Agricultural Extension Service has established a website.
This site includes economic information on flower production and handling instructions, and guidelines on disease prevention, pest control, fertilization, and processing. Plants, Propagation Material and Flower Bulbs Israel exports a variety of plants and propagation material, including cuttings, seedlings for the home garden, cut flowers, pot plants, tissue culture material, bulbs, corms and seeds. Exports of these products are constantly increasing and today reach over $50 million annually.
Recently, export of plant and propagation material has increased significantly, due to increased demand and an intensive effort to meet the high quality required by European and American standards.
Israel also produces a wide range of flower bulbs, many of which are unique to the country. The bulbs are used for cut flowers, as well as for garden and pot plants. In addition to propagation material, Israel exports a wide variety of flowering pot plants as a finished product.
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