May 2020
The COVID-19 emergency has substantially reduced demand for cut-foliage. But Sunday is Mother’s Day, and some consumers will buy flowers for mom.
The Florida cut-foliage industry is valued at more than $100 million, not including the indirect impacts. Those impacts include providing significant employment, international trade income, community development and tax revenue around the state, according to UF/IFAS Extension commercial horticulture agent Karen Stauderman.
Even though some restrictions on business have been lifted, this year’s sales are down by 40% to 50% compared to a normal Mother’s Day holiday, according to David Register, executive vice president of FernTrust, a cooperative of cut-foliage growers.
To move their products, growers have found success by delivering the product themselves by coordinated efforts with other business partners.
To support the Florida’s cut-foliage producers, look for products registered through the Certified American Grown program. If your local florist or grocery store does not carry Florida-grown products, request them.
(Courtesy of UF/IFAS)