Kenyan flower farm advances sustainability with solar energy initiative
KENYA – Florencia Blooms Limited, a Kenyan cut-flower grower and exporter, is setting an example in sustainable farming by embracing solar energy.
On January 9, 2025, the farm commissioned the first phase of its solar energy project, marking a significant step towards achieving full reliance on solar power by March 2025.
This development aligns with the FSI2025 sustainability targets, which the farm has committed to meeting.
“This milestone underscores our dedication to using 100% solar power for our operations,” said Gilbert Towett, Managing Director of Florencia Blooms. “By significantly reducing our environmental impact, we are raising the bar for sustainability in Kenya’s flower industry.”
For years, Florencia Blooms has sought to reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources. The farm’s remote location, far from the national grid, made the cost of connection prohibitively high. This prompted the adoption of a lease-to-own solar system as an alternative.
“As a smallholder grower, affordability and flexibility were crucial in selecting a solar solution,” Towett explained. The first phase, initiated in December 2024, allows the farm to operate during daylight hours using solar panels. Previously reliant on diesel generators, the shift represents a significant reduction in emissions.
Towett emphasized that the next step involves incorporating energy storage systems. This addition will enable solar power to meet all energy needs, including irrigation, cooling, and water pumping. “We are optimistic that by March 2025, we will fully transition to solar energy,” he noted.
Transitioning to solar power has not been without challenges. According to Towett, finding a reliable and cost-effective supplier was a primary concern.
The high initial investment in solar systems in Kenya posed financial difficulties, particularly for smallholder farms already facing steep operational costs.
“Freight, inputs, and land costs weigh heavily on our cash flow,” said Towett. However, he remains confident in the long-term benefits, highlighting that reduced running costs will eventually offset the upfront investment.
Florencia Blooms’ solar initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainability. As members of the Kenya Flower Council under the Silver Standard and holders of GlobalGAP certification, the farm continues to pursue eco-friendly practices.
“We are reducing our reliance on inorganic fertilizers by converting flower waste into compost,” said Towett. “This not only enriches soil fertility but also serves as mulch to conserve water.” The farm’s efforts earned them recognition in 2023 as the best smallholder farm under the certification scheme.
Beyond environmental efforts, the farm supports community initiatives, such as partnering with the AGC Baby Center. Since its inception in 2004, the center has rescued and rehomed over 530 abandoned children.
“This partnership gives us a profound sense of purpose as we witness lives being transformed,” Towett shared
Kenyan flower farm advances sustainability with solar energy initiative
KENYA – Florencia Blooms Limited, a Kenyan cut-flower grower and exporter, is setting an example in sustainable farming by embracing solar energy.
On January 9, 2025, the farm commissioned the first phase of its solar energy project, marking a significant step towards achieving full reliance on solar power by March 2025.
This development aligns with the FSI2025 sustainability targets, which the farm has committed to meeting.
“This milestone underscores our dedication to using 100% solar power for our operations,” said Gilbert Towett, Managing Director of Florencia Blooms. “By significantly reducing our environmental impact, we are raising the bar for sustainability in Kenya’s flower industry.”
For years, Florencia Blooms has sought to reduce its dependence on non-renewable energy sources. The farm’s remote location, far from the national grid, made the cost of connection prohibitively high. This prompted the adoption of a lease-to-own solar system as an alternative.
“As a smallholder grower, affordability and flexibility were crucial in selecting a solar solution,” Towett explained. The first phase, initiated in December 2024, allows the farm to operate during daylight hours using solar panels. Previously reliant on diesel generators, the shift represents a significant reduction in emissions.
Towett emphasized that the next step involves incorporating energy storage systems. This addition will enable solar power to meet all energy needs, including irrigation, cooling, and water pumping. “We are optimistic that by March 2025, we will fully transition to solar energy,” he noted.
Transitioning to solar power has not been without challenges. According to Towett, finding a reliable and cost-effective supplier was a primary concern.
The high initial investment in solar systems in Kenya posed financial difficulties, particularly for smallholder farms already facing steep operational costs.
“Freight, inputs, and land costs weigh heavily on our cash flow,” said Towett. However, he remains confident in the long-term benefits, highlighting that reduced running costs will eventually offset the upfront investment.
Florencia Blooms’ solar initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainability. As members of the Kenya Flower Council under the Silver Standard and holders of GlobalGAP certification, the farm continues to pursue eco-friendly practices.
“We are reducing our reliance on inorganic fertilizers by converting flower waste into compost,” said Towett. “This not only enriches soil fertility but also serves as mulch to conserve water.” The farm’s efforts earned them recognition in 2023 as the best smallholder farm under the certification scheme.
Beyond environmental efforts, the farm supports community initiatives, such as partnering with the AGC Baby Center. Since its inception in 2004, the center has rescued and rehomed over 530 abandoned children.
“This partnership gives us a profound sense of purpose as we witness lives being transformed,” Towett shared