Flowers, especially roses, are magnets for negative
press stories at Valentine’s and Mother’s Day. This year, Associated
Press ran a story describing flower farms as production factories that
put women and children in harm’s way, subjecting them to dangerous
chemicals and unhealthy working conditions.
High-drama stories sell papers and make consumers uncomfortable about the safety of flowers they are buying as gifts, so it is important to give your staff information about the flip side of Latin American production practices as well. They need information in case they have to rebut any off-putting perceptions customers may have. Farms in Colombia and Ecuador often provide uniforms including aprons, gloves and boots (face masks are also issued at many farms), protective spray gear, hot meals, medical services, English classes and even child care at some locations. Integrated pest management, composting green waste and companion planting are some of the methods used to reduce pesticide use. Elemental sulphur is used as a foliar spray and burned inside greenhouses at night when mildew control is needed. Maybe you’ve noticed roses arriving sometimes with dusty-looking foliage? That is sulphur residue, which is much less dangerous and harmful than most commercial sprays available for mildew control. When you receive “dusty” foliage, use leaf shine as a fast and efficient method of restoring a dark green lustre to stems.
As environmental awareness, especially concerning organic and sustainable agriculture methods, continues to gain in importance in consumer purchasing, adherence to certification programs at farm level grows. The leading certification program in Colombia, Florverde®, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
This program ensures flowers are grown and harvested to meet specific social and environmental standards.
Farms certified under the Florverde guidelines are regularly monitored and audited by an international audit company, SGS, based in Switzerland. Most consumers don’t realize that flowers grown under Florverde guidelines are produced under conditions that exceed most worker safety and health programs followed by U.S. producers. For more information, visit www.florverde.org.
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