Out-grower program

The idea first emerged when Aileen Burness visited Vanuatu in 1995 and noticed that flowers were being sold by the truckload, with all the stock sold out within hours. These flowers had no real cut flower potential, yet they still sold out due to public demand. It was here that Mrs. Burness realized the potential for commercially selling cut flowers in the Pacific, noting that women predominantly drove the industry.

Upon returning to Fiji, Mrs. Burness had the idea to form a group of women who would grow flowers in their backyards to supply this new industry, providing them with a new source of income. There were many challenges at the time, including securing loans for these women, understanding and influencing the industry’s demand, marketing, education, and training. However, after many trials and errors, these challenges were overcome.

In 1996, funding was secured to carry out the first feasibility study, conducted by Dr. Andrew McGregor. This study showed that it was possible to establish such a program, not only to function but to create a booming new industry. The feasibility study also helped secure the project’s first workshop, with approximately 50 women participating. From these participants, the first out-grower program was initiated. Some women self-funded their involvement, while others were fortunate enough to secure loans from the Fiji Development Bank (FDB).

The project, initiated by South Sea Orchids (SSO), saw the introduction of new orchid planting material specifically bred for the cut flower industry from the University of Hawaii. These plants were distributed to the participants once their nurseries were constructed, with the number of plants depending largely on the amount of land they had—ranging from 300 to 2,000 plants. Using the knowledge from the workshops and ongoing support from SSO, these women cultivated the orchids to produce up to 15 flower stems per plant per year, with the plants lasting up to 8 years in a pot.

SSO acted as the wholesaler, securing buyers and guaranteeing payment to each grower at the end of every month. The project’s popularity grew, and interest began to arise from the Central Division of Fiji. However, due to the vast differences in climatic conditions, it was not feasible for growers in this region to cultivate orchids. SSO then explored the possibility of introducing anthurium plants for the cut flower project in the Central Division. Funding was secured through the CDF fund to import anthuriums from Holland and to set up 30 women in the Central Division.

Over time, more participants were added to the project, eventually involving over 200 women. By 2013, after the project had grown significantly, SSO decided to step back and focus on their business of growing. The ongoing work for the out-grower project was then handed over to the Floriculture Support Association (FSA).

As of 2024, the project is still running and supporting its growers, though the number of participants has decreased. Many women have chosen to continue their businesses independently or explore other ventures. Some have also found it more profitable to sell plants directly.