WELCOME ADDRESS

Thank you all for your presence today and warm greetings on behalf of ASOCOLFLORES and its organizing Committee of this Fourth International Symposium on Carnation Culture. Our welcome to the 110 participants coming from other countries to the Sabana de Bogotá, the most important carnation exporting region in the world.

It is an honour and a pleasure to have been chosen by the International Society for Horticultural Science as host country and as organizing agency of this event.

It is particularly significant because never before in Colombia had there been an assembly, as today, of such a number of highly qualified professionals, scientists and flower growers, with a common purpose, namely, to examine the state of the art and the technical and commercial perspectives of carnation culture, foremost of the floricultural crops in this country. The carnation growing area represents about one half of the total 4000 hectares of all flower crops grown under greenhouses.

A total of 350 participants from 23 countries are meeting here today. During this week we shall hear four key note presentations on broad topics by personalities well-known in the flower world. Fifty-four technical and scientific papers will be presented and discussed. Fifteen posters depicting research in progress will be shown.

We will visit 5 flower growing and propagating farms, and will attend the PROFLORA flower show, also organized by ASOCOLFLORES, where equipment, inputs and flower varieties exported by many different growers will be exhibited.

Before giving way to the inaugural address by the Minister of Agriculture of Colombia, I would like to take a few minutes to reflect upon the meaning of this Symposium for Colombian floriculture.

Within nearly 25 years Colombia became the number one carnation producer-exporter country in the world. This was accomplished thanks to the comparative advantages the Sabana de Bogotá enjoys over other producing areas. Its combined unique conditions of climate, geographical location, labour cost and available entrepreneurial capability and timely government support were decisive factors in this process.

This fast and successful development took place by importing propagating material and effectively adapting technology from other countries, mainly European, as well as from Israel and the United States, in spite of Colombia not having its own institutions dedicated to research in floriculture. It does not have universities with undergraduate curricula in floriculture, let alone for post-graduate studies.

In the production and marketing of flowers Colombia employs over one thousand professionals in different disciplines, all very competent and creative. However, those dedicated to scientific research or academic activities can easily be counted on one hand. Thus, we observe that while in the preceding Symposium of 1983 in California and in 1987 in the Netherlands more than one hundred papers were presented only three were from Colombia. In today's Symposium we will have 9 out of the 54 total. There is some progress but there is still much left to be done.

It is worth asking how will these figures turn out to be in future Symposia and, more important, how will floriculture in Colombia be if they change significantly?

We should not only expect changes as to where and who will carry out future research on carnation culture. Changes should come with regard to its point of view and priorities, relating it more to the needs and solution of problems in producing areas according to their production importance and development potential.

In the case of Colombia consideration should be given to the fact that the 2400 hectares where carnations are grown are very little compared to the 200,000 hectares in the Sabana de Bogotá, most of which are suitable for this crop.

In this sense it can be said that this country's production potential is practically unlimited.

The limitations are found in the consumption, marketing, production economy as well as in the assurance of quality and the management of human resources and environmental impact. More emphasis should be given to research on such aspects.

We hope this Symposium will contribute to reducing the gap between production and research and that in the near future the scientific importance of Colombian floriculture will be commensurate to its commercial importance. May I invite you all to help us foster this change.

Finally I would like to mention the two persons who worked during two years with great dedication and enthusiasm in making this meeting possible. They are Marta Pizano and María Valenzuela, Technical and Research Directors of ASOCOLFLORES. If an applaus is coming it should be for them.

Thank you.

E. Vélez
Convener


OPENING ADDRESS

I especially wish to thank ASOCOLFLORES and ISHS for their kind invitation to participate in the Fourth International Symposium on Carnation. Events such as this one, bring scientific communities together with growers and international commercialisation entities, promote agreements between public and private sectors and offer, to everyone, great opportunities of integration and development.

Let me start this address by making reference to the policy of internationalisation and opening of Colombia economy.

It is of general knowledge that Colombia macroeconomic policies have undergone a reorientation with the aim of raising the standards of competition of Colombian producers in the world market, guiding productive activity in terms of comparative advantages found in the country. That is why strengthening of exports, liberation of imports, measures that benefit foreign investment, flexibilisation of labour relations, modernisation of the financial sector, investments in road and port infrastructures and the appropriation of exchange measures, must be taken as part of an integral policy that will allow for better competitivity of the productive sector at the international level, while stimulating the assimilation of advanced practices and techniques.

It is clear that the internationalisation process of the Colombian economy will have a direct effect on the reassignment of economic resources, such that those activities, being more efficient, shall be the ones remaining in the market. At the same time, it will be mandatory to gear resources to those sectors where productivity is at its highest.

In this sense, Colombian floriculture is one of the better prepared sectors to face the challenge imposed by the new development model. This is a consequence of joint efforts carried out by the government and the Association, which have resulted in our assimilation of the most advanced technologies related to the cultivation and commercialisation of flowers.

Among governmental actions geared towards strengthening exports, some mechanisms and actions, contributing to the results we observe today, should be underlined, in particular the "Cert" recently modified by Decree 987 of April 12 which was enforced last May 1st. When designing this mechanism anew, factors such as commercial obligations acquired by exporters internationally - for example the suspension agreement subscribed between flower growers and the U.S. Department of Commerce - were taken into account.

In short, in the brief lapse of two decades, carnation exports, as well as of other flowers, reached growth rates of approximately 15% per year. These have placed the country in an outstanding position in the market, second in the world after Holland. In addition, floriculture provides a significant number of direct and indirect jobs and a high income in foreign currency.

In this sense, the high number of jobs provided by the sector at present, added to export values - US $219 million in 1989 and US $228 million in 1990 - are sufficient proof of the success achieved. In this year, results are no less important: floriculture now stands second in agricultural exports, surpassed only by coffee.

Favourable agrologic characteristics found in some of our savannahs, such as those of Bagotá and Medellín, plus hand labour costs and the enterprising capacity of our growers, are clear advantages by which Colombian floriculture has developed over the years. In spite of the above, however, we are aware that these advantages alone do not guarantee our place in the international markets, where strong competition is the rule, and where clearly segmented markets with preferred and differential access for countries making part of them prevail.

When speaking of quality and plant varieties, increasingly demanding conditions require great marketing and commercialisation efforts. As a result, the floricultural sector must permanently ensure that new tendencies resulting from genetic research are adopted. In consequence, plant protection, a topic upon which my office has a high influence, has become increasingly important.

On different occassions, different countries have presented diverse approaches on this matter. There are those coming to consider that technological innovations on areas such as health, food and beverages, agrochemical supplies and others, are of public property. Others have adopted, within their legislation, criteria according to which intellectual property is assimilated to any other type of property in the sense that its exploitation, use and management are decided upon by individuals with no restrictions whatsoever.

Others still, hold a protection allowing for the correction of anticompetitive situations.

In general, there seems to prevail a certain consensus as to the need to strengthen protection of plant obtentions. Our country is aware of the fact that the attitude we finally take and the way in which we proceed, will have a strong effect on our access to technology and on investments made internally on the development of new forms adapted to our environment.

Decision 85 from the Cartagena Agreement, is the norm in force related to industrial property in Columbia. This excludes, as expressed by Article 5, section B, patentability of plant varieties, animal races and essentially biological procedures utilised in their obtention.

Actual tendencies, negotiations taking place in the GATT rounds and with other countries and the need to stimulate research and generation of new technologies on behalf of the private sector, have determined that several members of the Andean Pact - Colombia among them - request a revision of the above mentioned decision. Even though it is true that certain parties maintain that granting protection and obtention titles to plant varieties would not formally interfere with the exclusion expressed in this subregional norm, these are events covered by the concept of "intellectual property" which makes them totally different.

On the other hand, and towards the same direction, Columbia must start studying its internal legislation with the aim of developing adequate laws granting some type of protection to plant obtentions/

This is mandatory if stimulation of private investigation in plant genetics is sought. Also, to grant clarity and transparency to relationships between growers and farmers and breeders of plant varieties or animal races, both Colombian and foreign.

In this sense, our country must not only worry about the protection granted to breeders. We must also establish a legislation such that it ensures protection of the country's biodiversity and germplasm, a basic resource in the development of varieties and one in which Colombia is particularly rich.

Our country has been interested in establishing, in the atmosphere of international negotiations, those topics influencing the development of our present policy of opening and internationalisation of the economy at the commercial level. These negotiations are mainly carried out in the GATT rounds, and in bilateral negotiations among countries or groups of countries.

With respect to the first, the Uruguay round is taking place at present. This has been the most ambitious attempt of liberalising and opening internatioal transactions. In fact, this round is not only negotiating traditional topics as manufactured articles but it is extending to agriculture - the only production sector not covered by GATT rules - and even to the commercialisation of services. Within the so-called "new topics", intellectual property is particularly important.

In relation to the latter, it is worth pointing out that the importance given to bilateral negotiations is largely related to the results obtained in multilateral negotiations. Lately, there is a tendency to promote the creation of commercial blocs, preferably regional. A striking example is that which has happened with negotiation priorities in recent years. When the Uruguay round was launched in September 1988, many nations centred their hopes and efforts on the multilateral frame. Due to setbacks in the round, bilateral relations are now being favoured.

It is obvious that these two scenarios are not opposed; on the contrary, they often complement each other. It is important to use bilateral negotiations to gain support for their proposals in the GATT rounds. Equally, it is important to consolidate positions with other countries that may become partners with Colombia; the Cairns group for agricultural biotechnology and the Andean Group.

Strengthening of national legislation has become an unavoidable requisite if agreements of free trade are to be met. This both in the frame of initiative for the Americans as for the European Communities.

In a different context, European Community countries have expressed an interest in the adhesion of Colombia and other third world countries to the UPOV (Union for the Protection of Plant Obtentions). This convention, in force since 1961, establishes that countries adhering to it must recognise and guarantee rights to breeders obtaining a new plant variety by granting a protection title or patent. Adhesion to the UPOV implies that all norms concerned be included in the national legislation of countries in question, a condition which, in the case of Colombia and other members of the Andean Group, stresses the need of revising Decision 85.

In recent meetings of the UPOV, it was established that the Act revised in 1991 will not be enforced until at least five countries have adhered to it. In addition, any country may adhere to the Act of 1978 until December 31st, 1995. Some Latin American countries (Brazil and Argentina) are now taking steps towards the protection of plant varieties. International tendencies suggest that it is convenient to make gradual changes in our legislation, more so when the country in general, but the agricultural sector in particular, are making progress towards their modernisation and opening.

It is clear when analysing these alternatives, that resulting costs and benefits must be evaluated for the country on a medium and long term basis.

The above considerations have led the Ministry of Agriculture, to the creation and coordination of working groups which are at present analyzing these topics which, according to the experts, are of the upmost importance to Colombia and other Third World countries. These are, protection of the germplasm and biodiversity, protection of new plant varieties and protection of the environment.

According to generally accepted concepts of several experts, Colombia is one of the world's richest countries concerning biodiversity. This resource, together with the tools offered by biotechnology, will determine the future developments of humanity. Colombia cannot deny the use of such a resource for its own development, but it should be kept in mind that its preservation has resulted in costs for the country, a fact which should be considered within the framework of the legislation to be issued on protection.

Protection of the environment is also of paramount importance as it is necessary to ensure that environmental conditions will not be harmed, when use of biotechnology by multinational enterprises is facilitated through protection of plant species.

At present we are holding, together with the private sector, working groups whose aim it is to make recommendations that will result in a legislation project that may be submitted to the consideration of the Congress.

Progress achieved after defining the above mentioned topics, particularly those referrig to free trade, the kind of protection granted and the internal legislation issued, must contemplate - at the very least - the kind of protection permitting adequate access to growers, while respecting the interests of seed producers and giving private breeders enough encouragement to stimulate research on plant genetics, transfer of technology in relation to biotechnology and genetics, and international cooperation for the preservation of biodiversity and protection and study of the germplasm.

Lastly, I wish to thank you again for this great opportunity to give our views in the floriculture sector.

I am sure that during this important International Symposium, we will make progress on new strategies leading to the technicalisation and development of flower production, carnation varieties in particular.

With great pleasure I declare open the Fourth International Symposium on Carnation.

María del Rosario Sintes Ulloa,
Colombian Minister of Agriculture


Installation Address
Felipe Zuleta Lleras
Executive President
ASOCOLFORES

WE BELIEVE IN COLOMBIA

Colombia, so many times looked upon with reservertion and alarm, so many others subjected to unjust treatments, opens its doors today with the best of our people, to the world of floriulture.

The gesture of trust and friendship of those meeting here today to discuss broadly on the carnation will be, I am sure, rewarded by the results of the Symposum. WITH AFFECTION, WE BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Colombia through floriculture, has demonstrated to the whole world, the tenacity and discipline of its people.

In just 25 years, we have become the first carnation producer in the world. In just about every corner of the world someone will have expressed feelings of love with a Colombian carnation. Last year, alone, we exported 32 thousand tons of carnations. AN INDESTRUCTIBLE KEY

If our country opened the doors of the world through our flowers, it was because both casuality and the hard work of our growers, came together to form an indestructible key. Each piece of Colombian soil is priviledged with climate conditions.

We have the widest variety of climates, from the hottest deserts to perpetual snows. Among these lies the andean climate, ideal for flower culture. Climate and temperature, without the extremes brought about by seasons, made it possible for Colombains to find a fertile location to grow flowers.

In this way, today we produce over 35 types of flowers among which the carnation clearly stands out, accounting for 47% of the total grown. FAITH IN COLOMBIA: OUR SEAL OF QUALITY

In the begining, each flower grower had to turn to technology already existing in other countries.

From them we certainly took everything resulting in the benefit of Colombian floriculture. With great skill and above all, with a solid faith in Colombia and its people, large investments in land and technology were begun.

Nowadays, although it is true that we turn to international markets and foreigh technology, we are being studied by other countries whose aim is to learn fro the Colombian experience.

However, the efforts undertaken by ASOCOLFLORES are also geared towards leading, in conjunction with the national Government, a strategy for issuing a variety protection law, where breeders rights are guaranteed. In consequence it is mandatory that the Colombian Government, through the Ministers of Economic Development and Agriculture, takas the lead in our joining the UPOV, a step requiring the modification of Decision No. 85 in the Agreement of Cartagena.

It should be remembered that in a large measure, future exports to the EEC and even to the USA, depend on there existing a legislation concerning these matters. Let us not be taken by surprise in the future by facts about which we are already being notified.

The presence of our flowers in international markets will certainly depend on our diligence and collaboration with the Government. PROGRESS AND FLOWERS: A COMMON DESTINY

With floriculture, many industries have grown in the country. Production of plastics, mainly used in greenhouse coverings and packing of flowers, the aerial transportation industry, practically inexistent until the appearance of flowers as an export product, the establishment of new labs are, among others, some examples of the economic and industrial growth that has developed alongside with flowers. BEHIND EACH FLOWER STRANDS AN HONEST COLOMBIAN

Nursery workers give many hours of their day honestly and with dignity making it possible for someone in every corner of the world to be pleased or remembered. Today, the flower industry shows its growth to their country, when telling, with great satisfaction and no fears, that it generates over 80,000 direct jobs. It is amazing to think that more than 80,000 families derive their staple from colombian flowers. And even more amazing, floriculture has been a pioneer activity in opening the job path to our women, subjected until recently only to the home and depending with resignation on the spouse' job. We want the whole world to know that with no exception, each and every colombian flower is selected and packed, affectionately, by a colombian woman. That is why you, ladies and gentlemen participating in this Symposium, may be quite sure that each one of our flowers carries a message of affection from colombian people.