
A new rose cultivation project is envisaged to unlock potential in the Free State’s stagnant economy.
De Plante, located in the mixed agricultural area of Roodewal on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, is the city’s first rose farm owned by a black woman.
Established only last year, the farm has grown so quickly that it was officially launched on 17 September.
According to Nelly Poonyane, owner and managing director, the farm has a cultivation capacity of 5 000 roses.
“We anticipate increasing the production to 20 000 per month within the next five years.”
She hopes that De Plante will soon start exporting roses.
“The objective is to produce cut roses of a high quality for the high-end market, using state-of-the-art facilities to meet the demands.”
She said the objective is to unlock business opportunities and improve the economic participation of women and youth within the floriculture sector.
To date, the initiative has created employment for 16 staff members, of whom the most are women.
“In developing their skills, we will boost economic participation and assist in reducing the high unemployment rate in our community.”
- She hopes that De Plante will become the primary rose plantation in the City of Roses. The city’s nickname originates from the abundance of roses and Bloemfontein’s annual Rose Festival.