The first two days of my recent trip to Ecuador were spent touring four of the most progressive flower farms. Three of those were located in the Cayambe area, roughly a one and one half hour drive from Ecuador’s capital city of Quito. The ride to Cayambe is breathtaking, both for the scenic vistas of the majestic mountain created by the Cayambe volcano, and for the phenomenal driving skills exhibited by our bus driver, Jose (who received a healthy and well-earned tip at the end of the week!). It is the third highest peak in Ecuador and stands at a height of 5,790m (18,997 feet). This rugged volcano is dormant but is partially responsible for the success of the important flower growing business of which Cayambe is considered the focal point. While many varieties of flowers thrive in this region, it is most famous for its roses.
Cayambe is a Flower’s Heaven
Cayambe is located 0 0’0’ latitude – for non-geography buffs that means it is on the equator and the sun shines 12 hours per day. The humidity is just right year round too. Also, evenings and nights are cool and the volcanic soil is fertile and ideal for raising flowers. Altitude, climate, soil and the pure mountain-top water provide the perfect mix for growing flowers that is not matched anywhere else in the world.
Impact of the Flower Industry
Flowers are the fourth largest export from Ecuador and roses make up about 75 percent of the flowers exported. Moreover, between one-third and one-half of the roses sold in America come from Ecuador which ships about 70 percent of its flower exports to the United States. The flower industry pumps nearly one-half billion dollars into the Ecuadorian economy. While the flower farms are busy year round the two busiest times of the year are just before Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day when the level of activity is frenetic.
Though other regions of Ecuador have some flower farms, the industry began in Cayambe in 1983 with only five acres devoted to growing flowers. Thanks to the Andean Trade Preference Act and its successor The Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) there are now ~700 flower farms in Ecuador.
Cayambe Growth
Once known as the poorest area of Ecuador, Cayambe and its surrounding countryside have benefited and grown thanks to the economic benefits of the flower industry.
In the 1990s Cayambe had a population of about 10,000, most of whom were indigenous to the region. The indigenous inhabitants are Caranqui and Cayambi people, known for resisting an attempt by the Inca people to take over the region in the 1600s for twenty years before the Inca finally conquered them.
Even in the 1600s the Cayambe was home to a farming population. Once the Inca overpowered them all but the very old and the very young were slaughtered. It is estimated that nearly 50,000 people were ruthlessly killed.
Before the surge of the flower industry, Cayambe was best known for its volcano, its bizcochoss, a buttery cheese biscuit and its dairy products.
Population Growth of Cayambe Due to Flower Industry
Today, the population of the Cayambe region has swelled to more than 70,000 people. The primary driver of economic growth is stable, well-paying employment on the flower farms. Wages on the farms average around $400 per week ($20,800/yr) which is outstanding in Ecuador where the cost of living is much lower than in the United States. It is common for both spouses to work (though often at different farms), with children educated in private schools afforded by the competitive wages. The flower industry employs both directly and indirectly over 120,000 workers in Ecuador who, before the industry blossomed, were mostly subsistence farmers earning meager wages with seasonal crops. Farm workers not only make good wages, but they also receive pension benefits and health care that would make most North Americans jealous. Ecuador provides free health care to its citizens and the health care delivery system in Cayambe consists of a modern hospital and 16 health clinics, in addition to the on-site doctors and nurses provided by the farms.
Cayambe straddles the Pan American Highway. As wages have increased so has the number of cars in the region. Roads that were once uncluttered leading to Quito are now often packed. While the traffic patterns were enough to make be quite grateful that I was not behind the wheel, we only witnessed one accident all week.
There is no doubt that Ecuador in general and Cayambe in particular have had spectacular growth thanks to the flower industry which has prospered so well under the ATPDEA. This agreement has been a win for Ecuador’s people and for the American consumer who enjoys beautiful affordable roses and other flowers that are imported from Ecuador.
