The Land of Flowers«, is how the San Juan Sacatepéquez municipality, located in the department of Guatemala, is widely known. It is located 25 kilometers from the capital city and recognized for the quality and the variety of its crops.
Representing the livelihood of more than 6,000 small San Juan producers, floriculture is of utmost importance. The Exporters Association of Guatemala (Agexport) estimates that at least 75% of the national flower production was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, it is estimated that 80 percent of flower workers in rural areas, are women.
Thanks to a business-community partnership, flower growers are preparing to enter the U.S. market after the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
Progreso, through its Agro and Finca El Pilar unit, promote productive chains to strengthen local economy. This also benefits small producers by helping them access better market opportunities ideally out of country.
This Thursday, twelve thousand roses were delivered by Prima Rossa to the United States. This company is in charge of exporting the flowers and delivering them to Miami, Houston and Boston. This order will be followed by twelve thousand roses per week that may decorate a centerpiece, or surprise a fortunate recipient. The possibilities are endless.
Improving access to technology and knowledge is an important way to nurture innovation. In this respect, 183 flower growers received technical assistance for crop management in 2022 with support from Progreso. This training will contribute to San Juan Sacatepéquez’s growth and sustainable development.
According to Héctor Rodríguez, head of agricultural projects at Progreso’s Agro Unit, this project will provide producers with a higher income, enabling them to create jobs and improve their families’ standard of living.
The flower growers will deliver 1,000 dozen roses each week, and it’s foreseen that the project will continue for the rest of the year. Prima Rossa exports roses from small producers, and temporarily hires 27 people from Pilar I and Pilar II to pack the flowers that are sent to the United States.
Twelve thousand roses will be delivered weekly and distributed in Miami, Houston and Boston, USA.
Prima Rossa exports roses from the small producers, and temporarily hires 27 people from Pilar I and Pilar II to pack the flowers that are sent to the United States.
