The Ethical Trading Initiative is pre-empting media and public concerns about workers’ conditions in the cut-flower industry with a briefing document launched in advance of St Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

The document answers common questions on the importance of the flower sector in Kenya and Colombia, the work of retailers, the ETI and its members in improving workers’ conditions, social and political unrest in Kenya and whether consumers should look to buy locally grown flowers.

“We provide some key facts and FAQs on this issue, and contact details for spokespeople,” said ETI spokeswoman Julia Hawkins. “We also describe how some of our members have worked together to make a difference to the lives of flower workers in Kenya and Colombia.”

The ETI is still hopeful that trade for the crucial period in the cut-flower calendar will not be disrupted by events in Kenya. “The situation in Kenya is extremely distressing for all those involved in the flower industry - not least flower workers themselves,” said Hawkins. “The violence, which started further north in Eldoret, has spread to the flower-growing centres of Naivasha and Nakuru. Many flower workers have fled the violence and some flower farms have had to close down. However, as at February 6, we understand that many farms are operating almost as normal and that the supply of roses for Valentine’s day is unlikely to be affected.”

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