Africa: Oserian awarded most Innovative African Producer for 2014
Oserian currently stands at the industry forefront as the largest multi-crop farm in Kenya appreciated not only for being the most technologically advanced flower farm in the country but also as a global leader in sustainable and ethical practice. Oserian’s eco-friendly approach embraces alternative energy sources and green chemistry in order to reduce to a bare minimum the carbon footprint across the entire farm.
The farm has put in place multiple water conservation measures that include the use of hydroponics, construction of wetlands and detailed water usage by crop. Oserian’s “green by name green by nature” policy is anchored in the greenhouse heating project (the largest global geothermal development of its kind) and Integrated Pest Management, which has enabled significant reduction of pesticides use.
Oserian has grown its farm footprint from a small mixed farm in 1982 to over 200 hectares under cut flowers, producing mainly Roses, Carnations and Statice - it is today one of the largest and most successful ethical floriculture enterprises globally.
In addition to pioneering the floricultural industry, Oserian has always had a vision to improve the livelihoods of the local communities. A recent initiative, through a joint venture with Stokman Rozen Kenya Ltd, has been to supply farmers with clean tissue culture banana plants and seed potatoes as well as training on good soil husbandry. Such projects go a long way in assisting local farmers maximise yields from their land by adopting modern farming techniques.
John Owles, Sainsbury’s Project Manager for East Africa said “This award is a clear sign that Sainsbury’s is serious about quality and provenance and are aimed at forging closer relationships with the supermarket’s suppliers in Africa”.
“Sainsbury’s has been instrumental in supporting Oserian’s initiatives as part of its efforts to sustainably grow the flower industry in Kenya”, he added.
As global agriculture continues to embrace sustainable farming practices, Oserian’s significant investment places her in prime position for the future development of the floriculture industry. Further, Oserian’s innovations will add impetus to the Kenyan agricultural sector towards achieving Vision 2030 goals.
Oserian is among the African producers who collectively supply over £300 million of fresh produce to Sainsbury’s every year. Sainsbury's is the third largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom with a 16.4% share of the UK supermarket sector.
For more information
Oserian Development Company
Dorcas Ngure, Group Communications Manager
T: +254 (0)20 3883 073
F: +254 (0)20 3884 307
M: +254 (0)0738 700 048
www.oserian.com