When comparing Kenyan and European flower farms in terms of environmental impact, Kenyan farms often have a lower carbon footprint despite the long-distance transportation involved. Here’s why:

Energy Use & Carbon Footprint

  • Kenya benefits from its natural climate, allowing flowers to grow with minimal artificial heating or lighting. Most farms rely on solar energy and natural rainfall, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

  • European flower farms, particularly in the Netherlands, require energy-intensive greenhouses that consume large amounts of electricity and fossil fuels to maintain optimal growing conditions (heating, artificial lighting, and humidity control).

A 2007 Cranfield University study found that flowers grown in the Netherlands emit up to 5.5 times more CO₂ per stem than those grown in Kenya, even when transportation emissions are factored in.

Water Usage & Sustainability

  • Kenya primarily uses rain-fed irrigation and sustainable water management practices, reducing water wastage.

  • European farms, particularly in areas with cold climates, rely more on irrigation systems and controlled water inputs, which can increase water consumption.

Land & Chemical Use

  • Kenyan farms, while sometimes criticized for pesticide use, are adopting eco-friendly practices, integrated pest management, and organic alternatives. Many are also Fairtrade and MPS-certified, ensuring responsible farming.

  • European farms often use high amounts of synthetic fertilizers and chemicals due to the controlled environments needed for flower growth.

 

Transportation Emissions

  • Kenyan flowers are flown to Europe, contributing to their carbon footprint. However, studies show that the total emissions per flower are still lower than those grown in Europe due to the high energy input required in European greenhouses.

Conclusion

While airfreight is a factor for Kenyan flowers, their natural growing conditions significantly reduce energy use, making their total carbon footprint lower than European flowers grown in heated greenhouses. This makes Kenyan flower farms a more environmentally sustainable choice, provided responsible farming and transportation logistics are managed efficiently.