February 12, 2026
After a distinguished quarter-century guiding Colombia’s floriculture industry onto the world stage, Augusto Solano Mejía has announced he will step down as President of the Asociación Colombiana de Exportadores de Flores (Asocolflores) this coming April, marking the close of a remarkable chapter in both national and international flower trade leadership.
PHOTO: Augusto Solano Mejía- President of the Asociación Colombiana de Exportadores de Flores (Asocolflores)
Solano’s tenure began in the early 2000s and has been linked with Colombia’s rise to prominence as one of the world’s leading exporters of cut flowers, now reaching more than 100 global markets. Under his stewardship, Colombian flowers not only expanded in scale but also in reputation for quality, sustainability and social responsibility.
Over his 25 years at the helm, Solano navigated the industry through multiple major challenges, from the prolonged currency revaluation of the early 2000s to the COVID‑19 pandemic and recent diplomatic strains affecting key trade relationships. Throughout, he prioritized stability and consistent engagement with international partners, helping sustain demand and confidence in Colombian floriculture.
However, Solano’s legacy goes far beyond crisis management. Long before sustainability became an industry imperative, Solano championed its integration into everyday practice. He was an early advocate for a production model that balanced environmental stewardship, social standards and commercial competitiveness, a vision rooted in programmes like the Florverde Sustainable Flowers Certification, which today sets a benchmark for ethical flower production globally.
He also played a key role in fostering collaboration between growers, researchers and technical organizations, helping establish Ceniflores, the Colombian Floriculture Innovation Center, to strengthen science‑based innovation throughout the sector.
Solano’s influence extended well beyond Colombia’s borders. He held leadership roles in major international associations, most notably representing Asocolflores with Union Fleurs, the International Flower Trade Association, for more than two decades. In 2022, he made history as the first person from the Americas to be elected President of Union Fleurs, reflecting his stature and respect among the global flower community.
His contributions have been recognized with a list of prestigious honours, including:
- Induction into the Society of American Florists (SAF) Floriculture Hall of Fame — one of the industry’s highest accolades.
- The Extraordinary Order of Merit Edgar Wells from Asocolflores.
- Additional international awards celebrate his service and impact.
Leaders from across the global floriculture community have praised Solano not just for his achievements, but for the spirit of cooperation he fostered among growers, associations and markets worldwide.
Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), described him as “a true statesman for our industry,” noting Solano’s ability to elevate both Colombia’s profile and the broader floriculture sector.
Similarly, Sylvie Mamias, Secretary General of Union Fleurs, highlighted his dedication to building bridges and advancing sustainability throughout the international flower trade.
While Solano prepares to step down, the foundations he helped lay, rooted in sustainability, innovation and international cooperation, offer a strong footing for the next generation of Colombian and global flower industry leaders.