Ongoing freezing temperatures have damaged 30% of Colombia’s flower production, announced the Association of Colombian Flower Growers on Wednesday.
The loss was predominately caused by the freezing temperatures plaguing the Sabana de Bogota region, which accounts for 70% of Colombian flower exports.
According to the association of growers, the loss is significant because it occurred during a key time of year for Colombian flower production. 15% of all flowers produced in Colombia are exported to the United States for its February 14 St. Valentine’s Day holiday, which brings Colombian growers between 70 and 100 million dollars each year.
In addition, the appreciation of the Colombian peso in recent years has negatively affected the flower export industry.
Colombia is the second largest exporter of flowers in the world, behind Holland. Its main markets are North America and Europe.