In Ethiopia’s floriculture industry, few names carry the depth of experience and passion that Ermiyas Solomon does. With over two decades of experience in flower production and management, Ermiyas currently serves as Operations Manager at Ziway Roses and Chairperson, overseeing four farms: Ziway Roses, AQ Roses, Herburg Roses, and Braam Roses. His leadership blends innovation, sustainability, and deep community involvement, shaping not only the success of the farms but also the well-being of those around them.
In this week’s 10 Questions on Thursd, Ermiyas reflects on his journey in floriculture, the evolving challenges of the trade, and his enduring connection to roses — the flowers that have defined much of his life’s work.
Question 1
For those who don’t know you, who are you, and what do you do?
"My name is Ermiyas Solomon. I am the operational manager for Ziway Roses. I have been in the industry for the last two decades. Additionally, I serve as the Chairperson overseeing four farms: ZiwayRoses, AQ Roses, Herburg Roses, and Braam Roses—driving initiatives in Environmental Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and stakeholder engagement with regional and federal government entities in Ethiopia. In addition to this, I am also the delegate/board member of the Fairtrade Africa.
As an Operations Manager, I am dedicated to streamlining farm operations and aligning processes with sustainability goals to consistently deliver high-quality rose products. By applying advanced horticultural knowledge and research-driven strategies, I support organizational growth through impactful collaborations with local communities while effectively tackling critical industry challenges."
Question 2
What is so special about your job?
"We produce in Ziway Roses different types of roses, and all these require intensive care and close follow-up to ensure we send the best quality possible to the market. So, it is a very special job, it is like taking care of a baby, as I love to always say."
Question 3
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
"I am now between 15 and 16 years at Ziway Roses. When I joined them, there were some challenges, but if I were to pick one. I would say green waste. Initially, we were dumping the waste in a field, with a company that was making compost, and the land was far off the city center, but the town grew up, and this raised lots of complaints eventually.
This led us to come up with ways to manage our waste within the farm. by now, we manage this and use it as compost, bio gas, and liquid fertilizer, and also as a vermicompost, which helps to rejuvenate the soil. This project has allowed us to reduce water usage or wastage by up to 15%, and synthetic fertilizer usage has also reduced significantly."
Question 4
What are the threats in the industry, and if so, do you have any solutions for them?
"From my observation, the cost of production is rising from time to time, but the price of the roses in the market never goes up as much. There should be some balance or a smart solution to bring these costs down and increase the margins sustainably. The market also has to react to a similar trend for the roses. To be honest, every rose that has been shipped into the market has undergone culture, many hands, and people have to consider that based on their experience with the roses from their weddings, anniversaries, among other events where our roses are used."
Question 5
How has technology, such as e-commerce platforms or digital marketing, affected your industry? What strategies have you employed to stay competitive?
"We have a webshop and a functional website. For the webshop, customers can buy directly from the shop, and our team can deliver. Our presence on social media amplifies our message and stories about people, processes, and our products."
Question 6
Who (in or outside the floral industry) is an inspiring example to you? And Why?
"I have two people; one is Gareth, who is the owner and the founder of Sher Ethiopia Plc. The second one is late Peter Holla, who is the owner of Ziway/Holla Roses. These two stand out to me with their philosophy and how they executed their dreams and plans. It’s amazing!"
Question 7
How do you handle stress or difficult moments in your life?
"I walk between roses and talk with them. They give me comfort, and the stress has to fade away!"
Question 8
What has been the best (floral or non-floral) news for you lately, or of the last year?
"Through the Fairtrade premium CSR program, we created a customary court of appeal for the people. Based on the Abbagadas, this is an Oromo traditional governing system, where the rich and poor are treated equally. Everyone can sit down and resolve the issues amicably. Unlike the court system, where there is a winner and a loser, and the conflict doesn’t stop entirely, the customary court of appeal ensures that there is a long-lasting peace once the conflict is resolved.
This is a great and important project for the community, which was inaugurated on September 23rd this year. The community is very happy about it, and it is set to benefit one generation after another. As an appreciation, the community reciprocated by gifting a horse to the farm for such an impactful project."
Question 9
Which is your favorite flower/plant, and why is it good for you?
"Of course, a rose. For a standard rose, I would say Rose Red Tacazzi+ from Dümmen Orange, a vibrant and successful red rose. For a spray rose, Spray Rose Fireworks from the breeder Interplant Roses, such a colorful spray rose. These two I would love to buy them always if I weren’t growing them."
Question 10
What are you doing this weekend?
"To be honest, I am a workaholic! But apart from that, I love to read the bible a lot and watch lots of news and geopolitics just to stay abreast with the happenings in the region and beyond."
All pictures courtesy of Ermiyas Solomon.
