The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) and MPS have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening sustainability practices across Kenya's floriculture sector, through the adoption of the HortiFootprint Calculator, developed by MPS and LetsGrow.com. The HortiFootprint Calculator is a specialized software platform that enables flower growers to measure and reduce their environmental impact with precision.
The partnership was unveiled during the International Floriculture Trade Fair (IFTF) in Vijfhuizen, Netherlands, where representatives from both organizations emphasized the growing importance of life cycle analysis and transparent sustainability data in the global flower trade.
A Comprehensive Environmental Tracking Tool
The HortiFootprint Calculator has received official recognition from the European Commission and the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) as a FloriPEFCR-compliant tool, making it a standardized tool for environmental assessment in the industry. It addresses the increasing demand from international markets for verifiable sustainability credentials.
The platform evaluates environmental impact across 16 distinct categories, including energy consumption, water usage, packaging materials, and transportation logistics, providing growers with a complete picture of their operations' environmental footprint throughout the production cycle.
The HortiFootprint Calculator software presents data through an accessible dashboard interface, making complex environmental metrics understandable for growers at all levels of technical expertise. For farms already certified under the MPS-ABC program, integration is direct, as much of the necessary data already exists within their current record-keeping systems.
During the announcement, Arthij van der Veer, MPS Area Manager for Africa, said:
"This tool is a game-changer for growers who want to demonstrate their sustainability credentials. It is not just about compliance but also empowering growers and the international supply chain by making smarter, greener decisions."
Enhancing Kenya’s Sustainability Leadership in Global Floriculture
Kenya holds a significant position in the worldwide cut flower market, exporting to more than 60 countries. KFC is the primary advocacy organization for the sector, representing approximately 80% of the country's flower industry since its establishment in 1996. The organization promotes innovation while ensuring members maintain the sustainability aspect, meeting international standards through its Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standard (FOSS).
Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council, described the partnership with MPS as a major milestone for the industry, noting that the HortiFootprint Calculator will empower Kenyan flower growers enhance their sustainability through accurate, science-based data to benchmark, improve, and communicate their environmental performance.
Clement Tulezi:
“It is an important step in strengthening our position as a global leader in responsible and sustainable floriculture.”
The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more strategic as the floriculture industry moves toward mandatory FloriPEFCR compliance by 2026. Adopting this measurement system now, means Kenyan growers gain a competitive advantage in meeting these evolving requirements ahead of the deadline.
Practical Support for Implementation
Aside from providing access to the software, the partnership includes comprehensive support for Kenyan growers. KFC and MPS will deliver capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and data management assistance to ensure smooth adoption across the sector, in a hands-on approach that recognizes that technology alone is insufficient, and that growers need guidance and support to maximize the tool's benefits.
Chris Kulei, Chair of the KFC Board, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, noting that the collaboration between KFC and MPS shows the shared commitment to innovation and environmental management.
Chris Kulei:
“By adopting the HortiFootprint Calculator, we are not only equipping our members with the tools to remain competitive in international markets, but also reinforcing Kenya's leadership in shaping a greener future for floriculture."
Opening Doors to New International Markets
HortiFootprint Calculator's inclusion in the FSI Basket of Standards is significant for market access in that international buyers and retailers increasingly require suppliers to demonstrate environmental accountability through recognized certification systems. Kenyan growers using this FloriPEFCR-compliant tool will find themselves aligned with these buyer requirements, potentially opening doors to new markets and strengthening relationships with existing customers.
This alignment with international standards addresses general floral business needs while supporting the environmental goals, as consumers and retailers place greater emphasis on sustainability. Using this tool, growers who provide verified environmental data gain a distinct competitive edge.
Advancing Floral Industry Sustainability Goals
The KFC-MPS collaboration presents a model for regional industry organizations to work with international certification bodies in advancing floral industry sustainability goals. Combining KFC's rich understanding of local conditions with MPS's technical expertise and global reach, the collaboration creates a framework that balances international standards with practical implementation on the ground.
MPS, which operates in 52 countries and certifies more than 3,200 growers globally across 5,000 production locations, brings extensive experience in making sustainability practices measurable and transparent. The organization was founded by growers, for growers, on the basis of maintaining a sustainability focus on practical tools that support day-to-day floral business operations.
For Kenyan flower growers, the HortiFootprint Calculator presents a practical business tool and the perfect approach toward a more sustainable flower industry.
Header image by @emf_flowers.
