MEDIA RELEASE
5 July 2007
For immediate release
PNG FLOWER INDUSTRY SET TO GROW WITH AUSTRALIAN HELP
The Australian Government is funding a new study to help boost the incomes of Papua New Guineans who produce and sell cut flowers.
Cut flowers are popular in PNG and play an important role in many ceremonies, but the production and sale of flowers – or floriculture – is still in a developmental stage.
The new study, which is being supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), will analyse the market potential for floriculture.
The study will identify the main constraints holding back the development of the industry and provide practical and realistic suggestions on how to overcome them.
ACIAR Country Manager, Dr Jacqui Wright, said: “Australia and PNG have a shared commitment to the development of PNG, including through agriculture. This study into the floriculture industry is part of that commitment.
“Papua New Guineans, like many other people in the world, love cut flowers. Although flowers are on sale at most markets there is room for the industry to grow.
“This ACIAR-funded study will help identify the issues that are holding back the development of the floriculture industry and provide suggestions on how best to address and manage these constraints, bearing in mind the resources and the infrastructure available in PNG.
“ACIAR is also hoping to identify potential projects for further funding which would focus on some of the major constraints, such as post-harvest technology.”
The study will be undertaken by Andrew McGregor from South Seas Orchids in Fiji, as well as officers from the ACIAR Country Office. The research team will visit Lae on 18 July, Port Moresby on 20 July, Goroka on 23 July and Mt Hagen on 25 July.
ACIAR is a statutory authority that operates as part of the Australian Government’s development cooperation programs.
Media Inquiries: Jacqui Wright or Cathy Pianga on Tel: 325 9333 ext 299 or ext 315; Fax: 323 5296; email [email protected] or [email protected]