Following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on Monday, August 10, with its epicenter in San José del Palmar, Chocó, the Colombian flower industry, through Asocolflores, has mobilized to support affected communities and remain close to flower growers in the impacted regions. The earthquake was felt across several areas of the country, with official reports identifying impacts in Chocó, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and Valle del Cauca.
The Coffee Region, Valle del Cauca and Cauca are home to an important flower-growing community, including small-scale and family-run farms. Asocolflores has 25 member companies in the Coffee Region and Valle del Cauca, while approximately 230 flower-growing companies and producers across these regions benefit from the Association's programs and industry initiatives through its Small Growers Regional Office, led by Lina María Mejía.
Since the earthquake, Asocolflores has remained in close contact with its regional team, growers and members to assess the situation and identify the most pressing needs. Beyond supporting flower farms, the Association is particularly focused on the well-being of workers, their families and the communities surrounding flower-growing areas, many of whom are facing difficult circumstances following the earthquake.
As an immediate response, Asocolflores and its members are currently focused on collecting essential supplies and humanitarian aid to support the communities most affected by the earthquake. Members in Cundinamarca and Antioquia have been invited to contribute humanitarian aid, including non-perishable food, drinking water, hygiene and cleaning products, basic medical supplies, new clothing, pet food and animal-care products.
In Cundinamarca, more than 10 member companies have already confirmed their participation, and donations are currently being collected for delivery through the Government of Cundinamarca and its coordination with national authorities. In Antioquia, flower companies are also joining the effort through monetary and in-kind contributions. Asocolflores' regional team is helping coordinate the logistics needed to channel this assistance to affected communities.
Support is also beginning to come from beyond Colombia. An initiative led by a flower marketer in the United Kingdom, Optimus Flowers, is seeking to raise funds to assist flower growers and their families affected by the earthquake. The resources will be channeled through Asocolflores, which will coordinate their allocation according to the most pressing needs of the floral community.
In a second phase, the Association will focus its efforts on recovery and reconstruction, particularly in the areas where the flower industry has a presence. This work will seek to support growers, workers, their families and surrounding communities affected by the earthquake, with special attention to Pereira and the Coffee Region, helping them rebuild, recover their livelihoods and return as soon as possible to the quality of life they had before the earthquake.
Asocolflores has also seen expressions of support across the international flower community and deeply appreciates the companies, organizations and individuals who have reached out or mobilized initiatives to stand with Colombia during this difficult time.
"The flower industry has always been deeply connected to its communities. Today, our priority is to remain close to our growers, workers and families in the affected regions, while joining efforts to support the Colombian communities that need us most. We are also very grateful to the international flower community for standing with Colombia. When our industry comes together in solidarity, every contribution helps," said Laura Valdivieso, President of Asocolflores.
As the situation continues to evolve, Asocolflores will remain in close contact with its growers and regional teams and will continue coordinating with its members, authorities and partner organizations to identify the most effective ways for the Colombian flower industry to contribute to relief efforts.
Source: www.floraldaily.com