Cut flower lily opportunities

Local cut flower growers who have diversified into the production of  lilies, recently attended a workshop held at Greenmount Campus. The workshop focused on how to expand the successful supply chain of locally produced cut flower lilies in Northern Ireland.

The popularity of lilies has enabled six new lily growing enterprises to become established during 2006 using the latest  technology which has been demonstrated at Greenmount Campus.  Locally produced lilies were marketed to florist wholesalers during 2006 where they have been quickly recognised for quality and freshness by florist customers compared to imported lilies.  

The guest speaker for the workshop was Andrew Bly, UK Sales Manager for GA Verdegaal Export BV. He outlined advanced culture techniques for the successful production of lilies. During the workshop participants also viewed the Greenmount cut flower lily season extension project to learn about key production techniques. This was followed by presentations and discussion on the crop husbandry, marketing and economics of production by Andrew Bly and CAFRE staff.

Andrew Bly, said “I have been impressed by the quality of lilies produced by local growers and the enthusiasm and commitment shown by them. I expect continued growth of production to meet the local demand”.

David Davidson, Cut Flower Development Adviser said “We have shown that cut flower lilies can be grown to first class quality in line with profitable production for local markets

Further information on producing cut flowers can be obtained from:

David Davidson, Cut Flower Development Adviser: Tel: 028 37515605,  Mobile 077 7615 2524, e-mail: david.davidson@dardni.gov.uk.

Local cut flower lily growers, CAFRE staff and Andrew Bly,GA Verdegaal, viewing Oriental lilies grown in crates at Greenmount Campus.