Ecuador ～Ecuadorian Bouquets～

Ecuador is a small South American country straddling the equator. The Galapagos Islands, which are famous for inspiring Darwin’s theory on “The Origin of Species,” also belong to this country. Ecuador’s mainland can be divided into three zones in terms of agriculture: the coastal areas where rice and tropical fruits are produced, the areas halfway up the Andes where highland bananas, which are sold also in Japan, are produced, and the high mountain areas at more than around 3,000 meters above sea level where, somewhat surprisingly, roses, carnations, and other flowers are actively farmed. Ecuador is suitable for flower farming because the sun always travels directly above in this equatorial country, allowing flowers to grow straight. Furthermore, the temperature of the high mountain areas fluctuates little, which also makes the area suitable for growing flowers. Exports from Ecuador mainly comprise primary products, and cut flowers are ranked fourth in exports after oil, bananas, and prawns. Flower farming is an important means for the country to earn foreign currency and maintain employment.

However, it is not just people who love flowers, but also mites and fungi. Japanese high-quality crop protection products are therefore effectively used to protect flowers from pests and damage, and Summit Agro International handles most of the exports of such crop protection products to Ecuador from Japan. We do not simply sell products to flower farmers, but also arrange technical seminars for local farmers periodically to provide technical training on how to use our products, such as proper application methods. We also collaborate with Sumitomo Corporation del Ecuador S.A. to provide follow-up services, and thus support flower production in Ecuador through the concerted services of the Sumitomo Corporation Group.

Harvested flowers are also shipped in small quantities to Japan. Most of the flowers are exported to regions closer to Ecuador, such as North America, Europe, and Russia, and help to bring color to people’s lives for Mother’s Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and other special occasions.