Floriculture growers, industry practitioners, and government partners gathered in this city for a three-day congress aimed at strengthening the ornamental plant industry through innovation, sustainable production, and expanded market opportunities.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Davao Region, through its High-Value Crops Development Program, in partnership with Floriculture Industry Development Inc. (FIDI), the congress runs from Oct. 7 to 9 with the theme “Green Conversation: Floriculture for Nature, Culture, and Prosperity.”

In a statement on Thursday, FIDI President Evelyn Laviña said the gathering serves as a venue for collaboration among growers and practitioners to help create more opportunities and strengthen the industry.

“We want to bring our stakeholders together, share knowledge and experiences, and create more opportunities for our floriculture growers,” she added.

She said the event brought together stakeholders from across the floriculture sector to discuss production technologies, plant nutrition, propagation, hybrid development, financing opportunities, and other industry concerns.

“Through collaboration, we can further strengthen and develop the industry,” Laviña added.

Meanwhile, DA-Davao Region Technical Director for Research and Regulations Zabdiel Zacarias underscored the role of floriculture in the region’s agricultural development agenda.

“Floriculture has great potential to contribute to our agricultural sector. We need to continue supporting our growers through knowledge, innovation, and sustainable practices so that they can become more productive and competitive,” he added.

The opening day featured technical sessions on converting farm waste into plant nutrition, plant growth management from seed to maturity, and strategies for maintaining healthy and vigorous crops.

Participants also attended discussions on Philippine plant registration, hybrid production, flowering plants, and financial services available to floriculture enterprises.

The congress is expected to generate strategies and partnerships that will help improve the competitiveness of ornamental plant growers while promoting a more sustainable and resilient floriculture industry. (PNA)