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The current means of transportation of flowers between continents is air cargo; the only advantage is that it is the fastest way to transport products between continents. It takes on average 3-4 days from harvesting to final delivery. However, it also increases the cost of production. Transportation cost makes up to 40-60% of the cost of production of roses in Ethiopia. To reduce cost of production and other problems can be achieved by alternative means of transportation. One of this is to transport through ship from Africa to Europe. By combining packaging, pulsing solution and Passive Refrigeration system (PRS) to store and transport perishable produces through ship longer distance; this will help to reduce cost at least with 40-50%. The use of ship transport with PRS can thus enhance the competitiveness of African Horticulture industry. The study will give insight about the alternative transport and especially useful to professional´s in horticulture, postharvest technology and food sciences fields or anyone else who may be considering participating in logistics of food and fresh produce handling.

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Andnet Bayleyegn Abtew, MSc: Studied Horticultural science at Hawassa University, Ethiopia. Farm Manager at AQ Roses Farm, Ziway Sher Ethiopia Project, Ethiopia.

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