Flower Imports
Ecuador is now the second largest exporter of cut flowers to the United States, after Columbia. Critics have vociferously complained that this country employs child labour and its workers punished for trying to form unions, while many suffer from pesticide poisoning. The European market for ‘green’ and ‘organic’ flowers has been putting such pressure on Ecuadorian rose growers that three-quarters are now responding by applying for certification to show they meet basic environmental and labour standards. Though the market for ‘green/organic’ is still small in the U.S., perhaps our own Canadian florists and fresh flower importers, who deal with U.S. suppliers, could make a difference by insisting on ‘green/organic’ labels. This would help push the North American market for even greater global social changes.
Florists in the News
Frank’s Flowers on Haig Street in Montreal is now a 4th generation business. Established 55 years ago by Johanne Zyromski’s grandparents, her son Marc-André is now involved in the business.
Montreal Gardeners’ & Florists’ Club
Stepping from the cold into the tropical atmosphere of Jardiniere St. Louis in St. Lazare was a welcome contrast on the night of March 6th. The owner, Claude Levesque, welcomed everyone prior to the meeting. Kathy Pasztor, a floral vegetable sculptor with 30 years’ experience in the catering industry, was the guest speaker. Her floral vegetable arrangements created a real buzz among the floral designers in the audience.
Spin-off News
The adoption of changes to Law 135 in December 2005 no longer obligates greenhouse operators and erectors to employ unionized construction workers when erecting new greenhouses. This will likely stimulate new projects among Quebec growers and florists. Now florists/growers will be able to do the work themselves, which could bring at least 50 per cent savings on construction costs alone.
Scents, Cents and Sense
We often think the flower industry is one of scents, cents and business sense inspired by Mother Nature. Get a whiff of this – every year the American perfume industry launches 350 new scents, worth $6 billion U.S. Now that is a lot of cents for scents.
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