Fair Trade Flowers
June 10, 2007
Child labor, skin disease and miscarriage are three things that German consumers most certainly don't associate with flowers. But these are part of the daily life at greenhouse operations in equatorial areas.
Many flowers, especially roses and carnations, are imported from lands like Colombia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. During winter, when flower production in Central Europe is nonexistent, foreign exports kick into high gear.
Booming sector
The cut flower business is booming and developing markets have seen the sector grow by 70 percent in the past decade. Europeans and North Americans buy flowers from the developing world for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or birthdays.
Low wages, toxic pesticides, skin problems, miscarriages and child labor are part of many nursery operations. This reality has made fair trade a popular option for German consumers.
Fair trade promotes standards like minimum wage, age restrictions, pregnancy leave and protective clothing. It provides vacation and overtime.
Wolfram Schmuck, spokesman fort the German retail giant REWE Group, said fair trade is a way to improve social standards.
"A company like REWE Group also has societal responsibilities and with such products we can send a political signal," he said.
Buying power
Since 1993, REWE has offered fair trade products such as coffee, tea and chocolate and tried to make the consumer aware that he or she also had the power to do something.
Peter Klas, a customer, said he tries to buy fair trade flowers.
"I often buy fair trade and right now for flowers I find it somehow very important because the majority come from Africa and the people there must work under very bad conditions" Klas said. "I hope that with fair trade will ensure that these people are paid regularly and also can work under decent conditions."
Independent inspectors regularly test to make sure fair trade conditions are being met. Importers pay a fair trade premium that is at least 12 percent of the purchase price. A committee made up of representatives of workers and managers decides together on how the premium money can best be used for the good of the worker.
The quality of fair trade flowers becomes obvious from their popularity. Since starting to carry fair trade flowers in March, REWE has sold two million roses. Other companies have also opted for fair trade flowers. People can also buy fair trade flowers from florists involved in the program or from grocery stores with the fair trade approval seal.
Consumers get peace of mind.
"I think that I can contribute something very concrete for fair trade and worldwide trade and that's my little contribution." Klas said. "Yes, every person should do a little something to make the world better."