The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) announced that Ethiopia exported a significant amount of flowers for Valentine's Day this year. Between January 22 and February 14, 2024, the country exported 4,500 tons of flowers, targeting key markets in Europe, the UK, the US, the Middle East, and the Far East.

This year's Valentine's Day flower exports represent a notable increase compared to last year. In 2023, Ethiopia exported over 2,165 tons of flowers during the same period, generating over USD 3.28 million in revenue.

In related news, Ethiopia's flower industry, a vital source of foreign income, is facing a significant challenge: the False Codling Moth (FCM). This destructive pest poses a potential risk to European markets, which account for a large portion of Ethiopian flower exports. The FCM is already present in Ethiopia, but it can become a more serious issue in different environmental conditions, raising concerns for European countries. The European Union (EU) has implemented stricter measures due to the potential introduction of FCM through flower imports from Ethiopia. The EU Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also reported findings of FCM on Ethiopian flowers since 2018.

These developments pose a significant threat to the Ethiopian flower industry. European countries may halt imports of Ethiopian flowers if they are not deemed free of FCM. This could have devastating consequences for the industry, which is valued at USD 600 million annually. Several Ethiopian flower farms have already faced quarantines in Europe due to FCM detection. The inspection rate for Ethiopian rose exports to the EU has also been increased from 5% to 25% due to growing concerns.

The Ethiopian government stated that it was actively working with producers and exporters to address the situation. The Ministry of Agriculture is implementing control measures to prevent FCM from impacting shipments.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald and Capital Ethiopia