COLOMBIAN FLOWER GROWERS JOINT FORCES TO CREATE ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

  Eight Colombian flowers growers have formed a voluntary group called Ecoflor, which has established a code of business and production practices. Ecoflor growers agree to follow environment-friendly production techniques and to meet and exceed Colombia's workers protection and social laws. They are finding that not only are Ecoflor guidelines creating market demand for their products (particularly in Germany, where growers had previously 'suffered from a negative image), but that the concept is good bushless sense.

  Once the Ecoflor guidelines have been further tested, the growers plan to release the Ecoflor Manual, detailing the entire programme to the Colombian industry, so that those who conform to the guidelines can become Ecoflor growers.

  Environmental initiatives The list of rules followed to lessen the impact on the environment is as follows:

* No illegal pesticides are allowed.

* Ecoflor growers seek to use as few Toxicity I pesticides as possible. Growers try to use non-toxic alternatives, such as camomile extract for control of fusarium, downy mildew and as an insect repellent.

* Waste is recycled as far as possible.

* Integrated pest management programmes reduce chemical use, by monitoring and scouting for pests and diseases.

* Growers collect rainwater in reservoirs; rainwater must account for at least 50% of the water used in the nursery.

* Fencing around nurseries must be made of live trees.

Worker welfare initiatives

* Companies must have a committee to monitor the company's activities in implementing occupational health programmes.

* Workers applying pesticides must receive complete application equipment for protection.

* Greenhouses where pesticides are being applied are empty and remain so for:

* Pregnant women are assigned tasks approved by a medical doctor.

* All workers are given a physical exam upon hiring or resigning. They have access to free medical care through Social Security and through their employer.

* Ecoflor companies also supply workers with other benefits, such as transportation to and from work, subsidies on food, education, home credits and cultural and recreational activities.

(Source: FloraCulture International February 1996) 



Contact address

The contact address in Europe for information about roses and carnations from Ecoflor growers in Colombia is:



BGI - Federation of German Importers & Wholesalers of Cut Flowers

Dusseldorf, Germany

attn: Mr. Peter Muller

Phone: +49 211441388

Fax:  +49 211482647








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