Bʏ Vɪᴄᴛᴏʀ Oᴋᴇʏᴏ,
October 9, 2025
At the vibrant Naivasha Hortifair, where growers, exporters, and breeders converge, Rowan Godfrey of Meilland Roses leaned in to explain the quiet but powerful work behind every bloom.
“Breeding is a long-term game,” he said. “Until we see them, we don’t know. But we always aim for better, newer, and more resilient.”
That pursuit of resilience is why Meilland’s presence in Africa matters. The breeder is working to ensure tomorrow’s roses thrive in an industry facing stricter regulations, shifting climates, and relentless pests.
A Global Breeder with Local Roots
Meilland Roses, a legendary French breeder behind many iconic varieties, has built a strong footprint in Africa. Godfrey oversees operations in Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa, with Kenya as the hub.
“We aim to create something better than what’s already out there, or something completely new,” he explained. “And then to get those varieties into commercial production with growers.”
That is why the Naivasha fair is so important: it offers unrivaled access to growers and a chance to begin trial agreements that shape the future of rose production.
Roses That Turn Heads
This year, Meilland showcased varieties that captured attention:
- Orange Folies, a bold spray rose supplied by Hortec in Nakuru, is praised for its striking, “wow” color.
- Moshi Moshi, a lilac rose with elegant stems reaching up to 80 cm, offering growers a distinctive niche.
For farmers supplying competitive export markets, novelty is more than beauty; it is survival.
Breeding Amid Regulation
Kenya’s new agricultural regulations have limited chemical options, forcing growers to rethink pest and disease management. For breeders, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.
“When growers lose access to chemicals, there is a downstream impact on us,” Godfrey said. “Breeding takes time, but we know the trend. That’s why our long-term projects focus on which varieties resist botrytis, downy, thrips, and powdery mildew.”
The roses of the future, in other words, must be as tough as they are beautiful.
A Partnership with Growers
Meilland’s work is deeply tied to grower collaboration. Trials in Thika and Mount Kenya regions test varieties across altitudes and climates.
“Every farm is different,” Godfrey noted. “One may struggle with botrytis, another with thrips. By gathering feedback, we understand how varieties perform. We can’t change that yellows are more prone to thrips, but we can show which yellow is stronger.”
This transparency, paired with scientific rigor, helps farmers make informed choices.
Why Meilland Stands Out
In a crowded market of breeders, Meilland distinguishes itself through:
- A diverse portfolio—spray, standard, and garden roses.
- High-altitude testing—rare among breeders, giving confidence to local farms.
- Global expertise with local adaptation—a blend of heritage and on-the-ground trials.
“It’s a competitive market,” Godfrey admitted. “But we have a strong range tested under local conditions. That makes our recommendations credible.”
Meilland is preparing to launch a promising new red variety, with its first hectare already planted. Breeding, however, remains a mix of science and surprise.
“We have an idea of what we want,” Godfrey said. “But until the crosses grow, we don’t know. Sometimes the results surprise us. That’s what keeps it exciting.”
Kenya’s floriculture industry is a vital foreign exchange earner. Its resilience depends on adapting to regulation, climate, and shifting consumer demand. Breeders like Meilland provide the genetic foundation for that adaptation.
“In the end, it’s up to growers to decide what they want to plant,” Godfrey reflected. “Our role is to ensure they have diverse, strong, and resilient options.”
At Naivasha, amid the swirl of petals and business deals, that mission was clear: Meilland Roses is not only breeding flowers but also breeding the future of African floriculture.