Oserian Development Company a member of the Kenya Flower Council won the most Innovative African Producer for 2014 award in recognition of their sustainable developments which underpin and complement Sainsbury’s 20 by 20 Sustainability Targets. The award was presented by Mr John Owles during a courtesy visit by Sainsbury’s to Oserian farm.
Oserian currently stands at the industry forefront as one of the largest multi-crop farm in Kenya appreciated not only for being the most technologically advanced flower farm in the country but also as a global leader in sustainable and ethical practice. Oserian’s eco-friendly approach embraces alternative energy sources and green chemistry in order to reduce to a bare minimum the carbon footprint across the entire farm.
The farm has put in place multiple water conservation measures that include the use of hydroponics, construction of wetlands and detailed water usage by crop. Oserian’s “green by name green by nature” policy is anchored in the greenhouse heating project and Integrated Pest Management, which has enabled significant reduction of pesticides use.
In addition to pioneering the floricultural industry, Oserian has always had a vision to improve the livelihoods of the local communities. A recent initiative, through a joint venture with Stokman Rozen Kenya Ltd, has been to supply farmers with clean tissue culture banana plants and seed potatoes as well as training on good soil husbandry. Such projects go a long way in assisting local farmers maximise yields from their land by adopting modern farming techniques.
John Owles, Sainsbury’s Project Manager for East Africa said “This award is a clear sign that Sainsbury’s is serious about quality and provenance and are aimed at forging closer relationships with the supermarket’s suppliers in Africa”.
“Sainsbury’s has been instrumental in supporting Oserian’s initiatives as part of its efforts to sustainably grow the flower industry in Kenya”, he added. Sainsbury’s is the third largest chain of supermarkets in the United Kingdom with a 16.4% share of the UK supermarket sector.
As global agriculture continues to embrace sustainable farming practices, Oserian’s significant investment places her in prime position for the future development of the floriculture industry. Further, Oserian’s innovations will add impetus to the Kenyan agricultural sector towards achieving Vision 2030 goals.