As international climate agencies warn of a high probability that El Niño conditions will develop during the second half of 2026, Colombia's floriculture industry is reinforcing its climate adaptation strategies to safeguard flower production and ensure a reliable supply to international markets.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is an 82% probability that El Niño conditions will develop during July 2026, increasing to 96% during the Northern Hemisphere winter. Likewise, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates an 80% probability of El Niño developing between June and August, with the likelihood of rising to approximately 90% later in the year. In Colombia, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has also activated an early monitoring phase as warming trends continue across the equatorial Pacific.
For Colombia's flower industry, one of the world's leading exporters of fresh-cut flowers, water availability and temperature are among the most critical factors influencing crop performance. Extended periods of drought and higher temperatures may increasewater demand, accelerate plant development, alter flowering cycles and affect flower quality if appropriate mitigation measures are not in place.
Rather than responding only when extreme weather occurs, Colombia's floriculture industry has invested for years in building long-term resilience. Through continuous technical guidance encouraged by Asocolflores, growers have strengthened water management systems, including rainwater reservoirs, drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, tensiometers and water balance models that allow irrigation to be adjusted according to crop requirements and evapotranspiration levels.
These investments are complemented by permanent climate monitoring and production protocols designed to prioritize water use during the most sensitive stages of crop development, helping growers make timely operational decisions as weather conditions evolve.
Beyond water management, growers continuously implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, greenhouse climate monitoring, preventive infrastructure maintenance and technical adjustments in irrigation and nutrition programs to reduce potential impacts associated with prolonged periods of heat and water stress.
Climate preparedness is not only essential for protecting production but also for maintaining the reliability of global supply chains that depend on Colombian flowers throughout the year.
Today, Colombian flowers reach more than 100 countries, supported by an industry that combines environmental stewardship, technical expertise and continuous innovation. As climate conditions become increasingly unpredictable, proactive adaptation remains a key component of ensuring that customers around the world continue to receive high-quality flowers regardless of the challenges posed by nature.
Source: www.floraldaily.com