Ethiopia’s floriculture sector is facing a grave crisis after a severe storm struck the Bishoftu area in Oromia region on August 4, 2025, causing widespread destruction to multiple flower farms and orchards. Heavy snowfall and strong winds completely destroyed greenhouses at two major farms and severely damaged at least eight others, disrupting one of the country’s key export industries.
The storm also cut off electricity to the affected areas, further complicating recovery efforts for the growers. Among the hardest hit is the Joytech Tissue Culture Laboratory, one of Ethiopia’s largest and most advanced facilities, which sustained significant damage, adding to the challenges facing the sector.
Farm operators expressed deep concern over their ability to recover, warning that continued disruption could force them into defaulting on loan repayments and tax obligations, potentially causing long-term financial damage.
Industry experts and producers are calling on the government for immediate and coordinated intervention. Key demands include urgent maintenance and repair work as well as duty exemptions on greenhouse plastics and other essential inputs needed to rebuild infrastructure. They also urged authorities to streamline customs and logistics operations to expedite the entry of critical supplies currently held at the port.
Stakeholders stress that swift government support is vital to stabilize the industry, protect livelihoods, and enable Ethiopia’s floriculture sector to recover from this unprecedented natural setback.
