Flower Growers and Industry Professionals Tell Us More Flowers Are Needed For Valentine's Day

This year's Valentine's Day is on a Monday, which will likely impact sales if many couples choose to travel and celebrate the occasion at a destination far from home. In addition, some flower growers are preparing for the long-postponed event when restrictions related to the pandemic have been lifted and weddings are taking place. That means more flowers will be needed than ever, according to Flower growers and industry professionals. Looking more visit https://www.autoparus.by/publication/61952.

There are many different paths to becoming a flower farmer, from hobby to business. You can grow flowers as a way to experiment, to give as gifts to friends and family, or to sell them. However, you're a business and must pay for your costs. Even if you're just starting out, the experience will give you a new perspective on your own business, and may even spark a passion for growing flowers.

The floral industry also met with lawmakers in Washington D.C. this year to share their concerns. At the 42nd annual Congressional Action Days, attendees met with legislators and their staffs. The group lobbied for legislation that would increase agricultural labor standards, improve the H-2A visa program to ensure a legal source of labor, and allocate $2 million for research in the field of floriculture and nurseries. They were able to get the attention of lawmakers like U.S. Senator Corey Booker, who is particularly interested in agriculture.

While many local California flower growers are closing their farms, some have begun to take up new endeavors. One of those efforts is the Certified American Grown initiative, which aims to boost U.S.-grown flowers. The organization's chief executive, Camron King, cites pressure from imports as one reason for the decline of local growers. The vast majority of American-grown flowers are grown in California.

In addition to the regulations, the flower industry has also responded to public concerns by developing protective clothing and guidelines. In Colombia, for example, the use of pesticides in flower production has decreased by 40 percent, and other countries have instituted environmental labeling programs to ensure their products are safe for human consumption. In addition to developing a Code of Practice for its members, the Kenyan Flower Council has created a Code of Practice to improve worker protection and reduce reliance on pesticides. The Colombian Florverde program mandates that all workers wear protective clothing, and use only low-toxicity pesticides. However, the majority of environmental programs are voluntary, and only 25 flower-growing farms have certified by Florverde.

While annual flowers are the bulk of flower crop for cut-flower growers, there are also perennials, biennials, and bulbs that grow well in Maryland. In mid-February, sowing cool-soil annuals like Pastures of Plenty begins. In the fall, sowing perennials like Country Essences Flowers and sweet William takes place. Sweet William is planted in the fall and flowers in the following summer. The University of Maryland is also conducting research to find the best flowers to grow in the state.