On January 9 , 2025 , Kenyan summer cut - flower grower and exporter Florencia Blooms Limited celebrated their milepost in sustainability . With the commission of the first phase of their solar vigor first step , they are well on their way to meeting the FSI2025 sustainability target area . " It highlights our unwavering commitment to rule 100 % solar mogul for all our energy needs , significantly reduce our environmental footprint , and setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture in Kenya ’s vibrant flower industriousness " , says Gilbert Towett , the farm ’s Managing Director .
Why are they instal this solar project?Towett : " For many years , we have been consecrate to becoming a more sustainable farm . Additionally , our farm is turn up far from the 3 - phase National Grid , and the cost of link to the grid is high . As a smallholder grower farm , we seek an substitute solution . We chose a lease - to - own solar solution , balancing affordability with flexibility . "
The first phase of their solar project get down in December 2024 , with the installation of solar panel , and was commissioned on January 9 , 2025 . " This allow us to run daytime operations using daylight and solar gore . While many society utilise a hybrid organization with the Electricity Grid , we are not connected to the National Grid and have relied on Rudolf Diesel generator , which importantly touch on emissions . As responsible growers , we are committed to reducing our environmental impingement , " Gilbert explain .
The next step involves installing energy reposition , enable them to meet all their energy needs — including water pumping , irrigation , cooling , and other surgical process — solely through solar power . " We are affirmative that by March 2025 , we will be fully running on solar power . "
Overcoming challenges in their solar journeyAdopting solar energy has not been without its difficulties , explain Towett : " Our bad challenge has been encounter a reliable , price - effective , and flexible supplier , especially in terminus of defrayal option . The initial investment in a solar organization is quite high in Kenya , but the reduced track price will finally offset this investment and shorten the return on investment ( ROI ) stop . As a smallholder farm , we also face high operable costs in the flower industriousness , especially with shipment , inputs , and land disbursement , which significantly impact our Johnny Cash stream . Despite these challenges , we remain attached to our solar energy journey , surefooted that the long - terminus benefit will far overbalance the initial hurdle race . "
consignment to all-inclusive sustainability goals"As proud fellow member of the Kenya Flower Council under the Silver Standard and GlobalGAP authentication , we are dedicated to march on sustainability enterprise within the FSI2025 model . We , for example , are thin our inorganic fertilizer dependency by transform flower waste into valuable compost , enhance stain fertility naturally . This compost not only serves as manure but also as mulch , helping to retain urine and reduce vapour . Moreover , in 2023 , we were honored as the best farm with minimal non - conformities under the smallholder farms certification scheme . "
Social responsibilityAt Florencia Blooms , they believe in making a convinced encroachment beyond their field . " We proudly partner with theAGC Baby Center , an organization dedicated to rescue , rearing , and let go abandoned babies for adoption or family reunification . Since its origination in 2004 , the mall has rescued 530 children . The center ’s strategy ( Rescue , Rear , and Release ) focalise on deliver abandoned baby , render them with raise care , and facilitating their acceptance or reunification with their families . Currently , only 45 baby stay at the center , with the rest having found screw homes or been reunite with their families . This partnership gives us a profound sentiency of determination as we see life being metamorphose and get wind inspiring storey of deliverance missions . Everyone can join us in supporting this noble cause and making a departure in the life-time of these kid . "
For more info : Florencia salad days Limitedwww.florenciablooms.com
© FloralDaily.com/Elita Vellekoop
