Flowers

The production of cut flowers is increasing in the developing countries where occupational hazards from pesticides and otherwise poor working conditions and wages are common.

The estimated value of flower production of the world (both cut and uncut) is estimated at 60 billion � (euros). Flower production employs approx. 200.000 people in developing countries, but 90% of the total revenue is paid to companies in developed countries. Often the farms where flowers are produced are owned by American or European companies.

Majority of the flowers sold in Europe are traded at the Netherlands' gigantic flower auctions that effectively determine the international price of cut flowers all year long.

Fair Flowers and Fair Plants-label is governed by Union Fleurs and the now defunct Flower Label Program

Fairly traded flowers are already available in some stores in the UK and Switzerland