User:ShiraLent670

2012-01-19T14:12:31Z

ShiraLent670: Created page with "With their rich volcanic soils, moderate climates, and experienced agricultural workers, Columbia and Ecuador are the largest source of fresh cut flowers sold in America, providi..."

With their rich volcanic soils, moderate climates, and experienced agricultural workers, Columbia and Ecuador are the largest source of fresh cut flowers sold in America, providing more than 80% of blooms purchased by U.S. consumers - including roses for Valentine's Day. But, South American flower farms have suffered a one-two punch of extreme weather conditions and a sustained global economic downturn, resulting in literally dozens of flower farms closing.

Columbia's torrential rains through Fall and early winter coupled with the devaluation of the peso have raised concern about the number of roses that will be available this Valentine's. According to Augusto Solano, president of Asocolflores, the Association of Columbian Flower Exporters, "It's still too early to be sure what impact the rain and farm closures may have on Columbia's flower production."

With twenty-five percent of adults purchasing flowers or plants as gifts during Valentine's Week, an estimated 198 million roses were sold for Valentine's Day last year. And, demand is expected to increase fifteen to twenty percent this year, simply due to the holiday shifting from a Sunday in 2010 to a Monday in 2011, making floral gifts to the workplace especially popular. Growers and florists are working non-stop to meet that demand.

"Despite a down year in production, Colombia, the no. 1 supplier of roses for the U.S. market, should still have an adequate supply," said Red Kennicott III, AAF, chairman and CEO of Kennicott Brothers Company, a floral importer, grower, and distributor. "But, growers in Ecuador and elsewhere will definitely be needed, too."

Florists may feel the pinch more than consumers, as Valentine's flower prices haven't increased in recent years, while freight, fuel, and other expenses paid by local florists have risen sharply. "The market is definitely tighter this year," said Barbara Ergo, fresh flower buyer at Phillip's Flowers & Gifts in Chicago, "but, we've ordered thousands of extra roses from our best suppliers around the world to have plenty on hand, as usual."

Most industry sources agree that any shortages should be minimal and will most likely go unnoticed by consumers. Still, Kennicott, Ergo, and other fresh flower experts agree, smart cupids should play it safe this Valentine's by calling their local florist at least a few days before the 14th for the best selection and value.
[http://www.takasu.co.jp/operation/mens/big.html 亀頭増大]

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