More Than Half of Flowers Sold in U.S. This Valentines Day Will Come From Colombia

“The rose you give your love this Valentine’s Day will most likely come from south of the border. Sixty-two percent(i) of all fresh cut flowers now sold in the U.S. are imported from Colombia, including 50 different varieties of flowers(ii) and two billion stems. Furthermore, 77 percent of all flowers imported into the U.S. are from Colombia.(iii)

Colombian flowers dominate the American flower market with:
— 62 percent of all of the roses sold;
— 92 percent of carnations sold;
— 93 percent of all chrysanthemums sold; and
— 97 percent of all alstroemerias sold.(iv)

“Colombia is blessed with high altitudes, proximity to the equator and predictable weather patterns, making it an ideal spot to grow flowers,” said Augusto Solano, President of the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters (Asocolflores). “Like Colombian coffee, our flowers are the finest in the world.”

Colombia exported $906 million worth of flowers world wide in 2005.(v) Floriculture and related industries in Colombia create 111,000 direct and 94,000 indirect jobs. Including their families, close to one million people depend economically on floriculture.(vi) Sixty percent of floral farm workers are single women who are heads of households.(vii)

As the size and influence of the Colombian floriculture industry expands, it continues to enhance working standards and make great strides in improving the lives of floral workers. Asocolflores is celebrating the tenth anniversary of Florverde(R), its unique certification program which was created to improve the lives and living standards of floral farm workers and their families; to preserve and protect the environment for the industry’s farmers for generations to come; and to ensure high-quality, affordable flowers for consumers year-round. Currently more than 160 farms, comprising half of the acreage devoted to growing flowers, have qualified for, or are in the process of qualifying for, Florverde(R) certification.(viii)

“The Colombian flower industry is extremely proud of the work we have done and the advancements we have made since the inception of Florverde(R). Today, the Florverde(R) label is recognized among commercial flower buyers in the United States and Europe as assurance that our flowers are grown in compliance with international social, environmental, labor, and occupational health and safety standards,” said Solano. “We want American consumers to be assured of this as well.”

Florverde(R)-certified farms’ uses of agricultural chemicals are consistent with U.S. regulations. Workers are educated and trained in the safe use of these chemicals and provided appropriate safety equipment. Access to on site medical care, dining areas and hot meals are provided. Some farms go beyond specified worker requirements and offer child care, housing subsidies and literacy education.

Certification is verified by an independent third party, SGS, a renowned international audit company headquartered in Switzerland, widely recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. SGS has worked with such companies as Avon, McDonald’s, the GAP and Shopko.

To mark the 10th anniversary of Florverde(R), Asocolflores is launching a new Web site, www.florverde.org/. The website includes information for growers, buyers and the public about the standards behind the most beautiful flowers in the world.

Established in 1973 to represent the interests of the Colombian flower growers in world markets, the Colombian Association of Flower Exporters (Asocolflores) represents more than 70 percent of total Colombian flowers exports.”

Stumble it! | |

Other posts that may interest you

Did You Know? More Than Half of Flowers Sold in U.S. This Valentines Day Will Come From Colombia. So happy San Valentin's

Cartagena, Colombia revels in love, sans cholera-The Colombian port, where Garcia Marquez keeps a home and which inspired his novel, has been buoyed by a wave of tourism.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM(R) Launches '1-800-FLOWERS en Espanol'

Wilting dollar hurts Colombian flower growers on Valentine's Day

Mexico's Catholic church slams Halloween as 'damaging'

Top Ten Gifts for the Latin Lover in You - CasaQ's Caliente List of Romantic & Spicy Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Loved One.

Latino stars wage war against landmines

The Juanes success story - He’s the rockero with a folk singer’s heart, whose causes and good works make him Colombia’s ‘greatest ambassador’. Meet Juanes, the award-winning Boss of Latin pop

Unforgettable Book about Mexican 12-Year-Old Girl Wins First Prize

La Bloga: THE LEGEND OF THE VOLCANOS