Cut Cymbidium in Guatemala by Holland Orchids The main international markets for tropical flowers are Europe and North America. One of the major variations of cut flowers sold in the North American markets are cymbidiums. It is predicted that the cymbidium is one of the tropical flowers that will have an increase of more than 10% in florist's usage. Cymbidium has relatively high consumer price approximately € 17 per stem. A cymbidium flowers once a year and can produce flowers for approximately 15 to 20 years. Sales of cymbidiums are increasing in North America and Europe, but the production requires high investments, resulting in considerable (financial) risks. Currently, main cymbidium producers are the Netherlands, Italy, South-Africa and New Zealand. Guatemala offers great logistic and production perspectives due to its location and climate, competitive production, low transportation costs, and good access to main target North American markets. The applicant Star Orchids (was W & J Valstar) and local partner Flores Bohemia will establish a greenhouse in Tecpan Guatemala for the cultivation of cut cymbidium in seven colours. The joint venture will be the first in Guatemala cultivating cut cymbidium flowers using innovative techniques for light/shade manipulation and leaf temperature. State of the art sensors to be able to manipulate irrigation, fertilisation, temperature, light, and humidity will be applied too.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The joint venture complies with OECD Guidelines and the ILO declaration. The joint venture will employ 17 people, of which 9 will be female. The joint venture will pay salaries at least 25% higher than the living wage. Employees will have the possibility to organize themselves in a labour union and work council. Their input can then be used in the decision making of the management.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe joint venture complies with OECD Guidelines and the ILO declaration. The joint venture will employ 17 people, which 9 will be female. The joint venture will pay salaries at least 25% higher than the living wage. Employees will have the possibility to organize themselves in a labour union and work council. Their input can then be used in the decision making of the management. Female employees will count with natal leave of three months. All employees will receive yearly bonuses and will be offered a social security package and medical support. The joint venture will offer extra English courses and CCIPPP (course in biodegradation).•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeCurrently, there are none greenhouses used in Guatemala for the cultivation of cut cymbidium. There is a company (Guatemalan Fleurs) that is cultivating “mini pot cymbidium”, but this is done for a French flower company that is using the young plant material for further cultivation into a final product for the European market. The cultivation techniques used for cultivation like light/shade manipulation, leaf temperature measurement, temperature, humidity and light sensors used by the climate computer to be able to manipulate irrigation, fertilization, temperature, light, and humidity are also innovative for Guatemala.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliersThe joint venture will purchase locally all needed supplies.Impact on local customers or consumersNo direct contribution, all production is for export.•	Impact on the sectorThe project partners will create two short internships and three internships of six month each with Rafael Landivar (University in Guatemala), Earth (University in Costa Rica and Has Den Bosch (University in The Netherlands). The project partners will organize two open days for interested stakeholders in the sector. The joint venture will educate the local vegetables cultivators why and how the joint venture grows cymbidium. This will show them the result of investing in new technics and motivate them to grow more efficiently their crops. The project partners will have a doctor measuring the eyes of all their employees, their families and local people living around the farmers once a year.•	EnvironmentThe joint venture will use bio beds, recycle all the organic waste, and install solar panels and a water treatment system.•	Position of womenThe joint venture will employ 17 people, which 9 will be female and 3 of the 9 medium/high positions. To establish a greenhouse of 1 ha and start up the cultivation of cut cymbidium flowers in seven colors. The stems 50 cm (9 flowers), 60 cm (11 flowers) and 80 cm (more than 12 flowers) and the loose cymbidium flowers will also be sold on the North Americ