SA Flower Growers Association was established in the 1940s with 30 members, and the membership grew to around 50 in the 1980s.
Currently, membership is 35, as many smaller growers are closing their operations due to labour costs and other operational difficulties. The larger flower producers in South Africa typically employ between 20 and 120 staff members.
Membership consists of flower growers, flower exporters and related parties. Most of the country’s flower farming companies are located in Gauteng, in the region of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The OR Tambo International Airport is the main point for exports to Europe and its favourable location saves money on flower transportation.
Floriculture is often dictated by climate, and although South Africa is not situated as close to the equator as its competitors (Kenya and Tanzania), the country is still a key player in the international export market.
Members of SAFGA often sell their flowers on the Multiflora market, which is South Africa's largest flower exporter. The market was established in 1944 and has grown immensely over the last few decades. Multiflora consists of 600 flower growers and about 400 buyers, has a turnover of R300 million a year.
The flower industry in South Africa is divided into two sectors - Cape Flora SA and the South African Flower Growers Association....