For those unfamiliar with you, can you introduce yourself and explain your profession?
My name is Roddy Benjamin, and I hail from the UK, although I have been residing in East Africa since 1991. My career with flowers began in my school days through various holiday jobs, and I have dedicated my life to this field. My initial foray was into landscaping. In 1997, I transitioned to commercial production at Nini farm and later at Oserian. I chose to increase my understanding of breeding by joining Schreurs. The cultural shift was beneficial, prompting my move to Tanzania and subsequently Ethiopia. Before returning to Kenya, I had a brief period in Tanzania focusing on avocados. Now, I am back in Kenya, serving as the Managing Director at Dummen Orange.
What makes your current role at Dummen Orange unique? Please elaborate on their varieties, operations, technological advancements, and services offered to the industry.
Dümmen Orange is a vibrant and innovative company to be part of. At our Olij facility, we operate in three distinct areas. We specialize in breeding roses and chrysanthemums. Our showhouses display our latest genetic advancements in roses, chrysanthemums, carnations, limoniums, and gerberas. We also propagate all these varieties, and in Embu, we provide cuttings. Our cutting-edge facility is dedicated to developing varieties that are resistant to diseases and viruses. Dümmen Orange is a pioneer in utilizing technology for breeding resistance against agro bacteria and powdery mildew in roses. For more information, please visit our website and explore INTRINSA.
What are some of your most popular varieties, and what sets them apart? Which one is your favorite, and why?
- Garfield is an exceptional orange variety that travels well, boasts good production, and has an excellent vase life
- Cabana – Beautiful peach variety with good head size, has an impressive vase life and very good production.
- Akari – Exceptional white variety with very good production and length, travels well and has an impressive vase life.
- Sweet Cerise – Beautiful cerise variety that travels well, it’s sea freight friendly and has an impressive vase life, opens fully.
- Sera – Beautiful cerise variety that is very productive with good length, and impressive vase life and resistant to Agro bacterium.
What can we anticipate from Dummen Orange in the next one to two years?
Dummen Orange will maintain its leadership in resistance breeding while expanding its range of key colors and spray roses.
As a specialist in the floral industry, could you share your experiences in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia?
I wouldn’t label myself as a guru! Nevertheless, I possess extensive experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in all three nations, where I have been privileged to immerse myself in diverse cultures, forge numerous friendships, gain valuable insights, and collaborate with outstanding companies. My passion lies in cultivating plants, and while I am always focused on the commercial aspects, growing, propagation and breeding remain my true loves.
In addition to growing, I was the founding chairman of the Naivasha Horticultural Fair, which I nurtured for 12 years. This event served as a platform for networking while raising funds for local charities and giving back to the community. We crafted a delightful event in a relaxed setting.
What specific challenges or obstacles have you encountered both personally and professionally throughout your journey, and how have you addressed them?
The obstacles I’ve faced have been minimal, and overcoming challenges has been gratifying. In cultivation, it’s crucial to stay focused. Maintaining a motivated and effective team is equally vital. Ultimately, the primary responsibility of a grower is to ensure the production of high-quality flowers. Overall, I feel fortunate during my time in East Africa.
What challenges is our sector currently facing, and what solutions do you propose?
Currently, freight costs and availability pose significant threats to our industry. Sea freight may represent a viable future option. At Dummen Orange, we are developing varieties that are tolerant to sea freight, which are also lightweight and easy to pack. This is one approach to mitigate the issues. Additionally, government involvement is essential.
What has been your greatest achievement in the industry, and how would you like to be remembered?
I aspire to have fostered a positive environment in every workplace I’ve been part of. I take the most pride in witnessing my colleagues ascend to higher management positions.
Who has inspired you, and what was the reason?
My first supervisor in the UK. He operated a specialized plant nursery and possessed a passion and depth of knowledge about plants that ignited my journey.
How do you typically spend your weekends or free time?
I enjoy being outdoors. I like camping in the wilderness, visiting game parks, walking my dogs, and occasionally playing golf, albeit not very well.