1 year, 11 months ago

While everyone enjoys flowers, few people think about their origin and consider sustainability when purchasing them. However, as people become more aware and practice conscious consumerism, they demand more transparency. More customers are looking for ethical and sustainable options when it comes to flowers. Wholesale and retail florists alike must comply with this and provide their customers with options that meet their standards and ensure sustainability.

One way to do this is by looking for verification from third-party certifiers who use social and ecological metrics to investigate sustainability. This article discusses the different types of third-party certifications in floriculture, including national and international floral industry certifications.

International Certifications

Several renowned international organizations promote long-term sustainability and ensure ethical sourcing in floriculture.

Fairtrade International

Fairtrade International is a global organization that was founded in 1997. It ensures fair global trade and started certifying flowers in 2001. In addition to empowering workers and improving working conditions, Fairtrade ensures a lighter carbon footprint and the elimination of dangerous pesticides.

Rainforest Alliance

Rainforest Alliance Certified flowers ensure safe working conditions while also protecting ecosystems and promoting water and soil conservation. Farms must meet comprehensive sustainable agriculture standards and ensure workers’ rights to obtain certification. The three pillars of sustainability include economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and all are independently audited before certification is awarded.

GlobalG.A.P.

GlobalG.A.P. is an international organization that ensures safe and sustainable agricultural practices. The GlobalG.A.P. Flowers & Ornaments Certification Standard mandates sustainability across all stages of production, from planting to harvesting. The standard also covers responsible water use, conversation, security, hygiene, and workers’ welfare, health, and safety.

National Certifications

Flower farms can also have national floral industry certifications that show their compliance with sustainable standards.

Flor Ecuador

Flor Ecuador was established in 2005 to ensure that Ecuadorian companies in the floral industry followed social and environmental standards. Flor Ecuador Certification means that the farm or grower has ensured the safety of their workers, complies with Ecuadorian legal standards, and uses sustainable and eco-friendly processes.

Business Alliance for Secure Commerce (BASC)

This international business alliance promotes trade while cooperating with international organizations and governments. It was created in 1996 and has dealt with issues such as transparency, supply chain security, and more.

Florverde® Sustainable Flowers

Florverde® was established in 1973 and focuses on promoting and strengthening the floral industry in both Colombia and globally. Based on sustainable agricultural practices, a Florverde® certification ensures both social and environmental standards and codes of conduct are met.

Social and Environmental Projects

Some smaller farms may not have national or international certifications. However, they do have social and environmental programs in place to support workers' health and safety and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

At Fresh-o-Fair, we prioritize socially conscious flower farms and ensure 100% transparency. This refers to both sustainable practices and fair pricing. To make it easier for you to do the following, we allow you to filter farms via certification. This way, you can be sure you’re buying sustainably sourced flowers at an excellent price. To learn more about our flower concierge services, contact us here.