In an unprecedented move , a joined coalition of 9 European - based arrangement , representing all segment and Italian sandwich - sectors of the blossom & live flora sector in the EU have conjoin forcefulness to urge on the European Commission to activate as shortly as potential sinful and temporary livelihood measures that are desperately needed across the EU to help the sector endure the brutal impact of the COVID-19 crisis . Preliminary estimate paint a picture that the overall demand for heyday & live plants has lessen by 80 % across the EU with the initiation of lockdown measures and the immediate closure of non - of the essence specialised retail shops in most European countries . These inauspicious circumstances and the massive domino effect that has ensue have place all businesses , segment and sub - sectors of the flower & live plants sector in an extremely vulnerable position as it was just go into its summit season during which 50 to 80 % of its annual upset is realised .
In a joint letter of the alphabet addressed on 10 April to the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Janusz Wojciechowski , the signer organisations call for :
“ Extraordinary circumstances do require extraordinary measures . This sphere is a remarkably healthy and high - perform economic sector that brings joyfulness , color , hope , nature and well - being to all citizen across the EU and beyond . fail to endorse it now as it faces a spectacular collapse across the EU would be a major and irremediable failure from the EU . We call on the European Commission to do its utmost to dissemble swiftly and pragmatically and help this sector survive until the adequate conditions are there again for it to re - lead off its crucial activities " , barrack the signatories to this missive in a united voice .
The signer to the varsity letter are : Union Fleurs ( International Flower Trade Association ) , ENA ( European Nurserystock Association ) , ARELFH ( Assembly of European Horticultural Regions ) , VBN ( Association of Dutch Flower auction bridge ) , Val’Hor – French inter - branch organisation for ornamental gardening ( growers , nurseries , seed companies , garden centres , jobber , florists , agro - shop , landscape painting contractors and landscape painting architects ) , Anthos ( Royal Trade Association for Flower Bulbs ) , CIOPORA ( International Association of Breeders of Asexually Reproduced Horticultural Varieties ) , Fleuroselect ( International Association of breeders , producer and distributors of generation material of cosmetic plant ) and ELCA ( European Landscape Contractors Association ) .
