Flower market - Future isn't rosy for Colombia growers - by Chris Kraul
Nearly all world currencies have gained against the dollar in recent years; the dollar has slid 30 percent in value since 2002 against an index of world currencies, according to the International Monetary Fund. But the greenback's decline has been steeper against the currencies of Third World countries whose economies have been lifted by booming demand for commodities such as copper, sugar and soybeans, and the incoming floods of dollars chasing them. After years of strong business fueled by Americans' appreciation of big-budded Colombian roses, the industry is fighting stiff competition from Ecuador, China, Kenya and Mexico.
Although Colombia shipped almost $800 million in flowers to the United States last year, the industry has cut margins to maintain its market share. Investment in new varieties and technology has shrunk, according to the grower industry association, Asocolflores.
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