A “floral chandelier” Inverted A-Line flower arrangement hanging from the ceiling. This unique flower arrangement is by Osa Amosa Floriculture business group

Goroka is often described as the home of friendly and peace-loving people. For residents and the visitors alike, it’s the fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers that steal the heart. Flower lovers from all over the country know that the flora of this province is unique. Small-scale cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and floristry has thus become an income-generating activity in Goroka in recent times. To showcase this unique flora and the floricultural activities of mothers in the province, the Goroka Urban District Floriculture Association, staged a 3-day Floriculture Show from Wednesday, 8 June to Friday 10 June, 2016.

Florists and flower farmers displayed everything from flowering and/or onamental indoor and outdoor potted plants to seedlings, various styles of flower and fruit arrangement to draping.

Save Birds! This is usually part of a traditional head dress and always made from bird feathers. In this arrangement, flowers are used instead of feathers. Flower arrangement by Osa Amosa business group.

Angela Monave, President of the Goroka District Floriculture Association (GDFA) told ACT NOW! that that the Association was formed to support "mamas" (mothers) to grow and sell flowers, and support their families. “small backyard flower farming puts money in the pocket of families” according to Mrs Monave. She said a bag of kaukau usually fetches up to K60 after a couple of days of sales, while a well-potted healthy plant, or beautifully arranged cut flowers also bring the women, the same amount in a one day. The amount of time and energy put into cultivating both plants makes a difference also.

Mrs Angela Monave, President of Goroka District Floriculture Association, explaining the purpose and activities of GDFA

GDFA is made up of women from Goroka Urban, Unggai and Daulo Districts. There are 40 registered members, and counting in 2016. Registration and levy fees to K50 per registered member. GDFA assists its members to travel to Expo and Shows in other parts of PNG by assisting them set up stalls, payment of airfreight and accommodation, where possible. In return members pay a Levi fee of K20 to the association.

Mrs Monave said the Association’s plans in the short-term is to ensure its members have excess to market and consistent local buyers, in other provinces. They have had requests coming in from other parts of the country, for both plants and cut flowers. However, they currently do not have the facilities to be able to maintain quality and meet the demand. This is the biggest hinderance to sustaining this business, according to Mrs. Monave.

Mothers from the Osa Amosa Floriculture business group displaying their potted plants, cuttings and seedlings for sale during the show

GDFA has started encouraging members to specialize in cultivating one or two different types of flowering and/or ornamental plants, leading to medium-scale commercialisation. The facilities however government support for facilities are non existent.  "We need to focus on maintaining quality for our cut flowers and need subsidiesd air freight" Said Mrs Monave. Walk in cold rooms, air-conditioned vehicles to transport flowers to buyers via the Highlands highway, and subsidized airfreight to the rest of PNG, are the kind of support these mothers need.

Floriculture is an international multi million-dollar industry. In PNG though, the Government continues to do very little to help small farmers of fruit (horticulture) flowers (floriculture) and vegetables (agriculture).

Fruits, flowers and vegetables offer a lot of economic potential for a simple villager, without catastrophic impacts on the environment and to the health of its citizens! It also contributes to a healthier and happier family, community and country. Isn't that the outcome, or "destination" for the country, as envisaged by the writers of the PNG Vision 2050 - "To build a smart, wise, fair, healthy and happy society".