sales event for ornamentals growers are expected to be down around 50 % this yr with some expecting a far greater fall in sales . 96 % of country responding predict their diligence will be severely impact . The International Association of Horticultural Producers ( AIPH ) has survey its grower tie-up members and other industry associations to realise the impact of COVID-19 and what is happening in unlike countries .

Although still early into the crisis for many state the timing is critical with the ordinarily busy Spring time of year and many flower - giving celebrations being directly come to . 70 % of answerer gestate to see agriculturist going out of business this year and 65 % expect to see significant cut in staffing by nurseries . Financial losses in the Netherlands could be as high as 2 billion euros .

Government policy decision for assure the computer virus have had a dramatic impact on businesses with measuring stick like the cancellation of seasonal prole programme and the enforced closure of Garden Centres in some countries . Exporting countries have suffered as borders have been closed and provision chain collapsed produce Brobdingnagian volume of waste product for many .

Most associations are actively lobbying their government for urgent additional bread and butter for growers and some governments are pop the question loan , guarantees for live loans , payment of salaries , or tax delays . In many cases more verbatim cash backing will be required to keep businesses go . Some associations are lobbying to get Garden Centres categorise as ‘ crucial ’ , enable them to remain unfastened , and many are work to push the health and well - being benefits of plants and flush and call on the populace to support the industry where buying mathematical product is still potential .

In a message of support to member , AIPH President Bernard Oosteromsaid “ First and first off our opinion are with those affected by the virus , those caring for sick people and those that have lose loved single . As an industry we must abide by all the expert guidance relate to measures to control the disease and of course , put people first . ” He play up the serious economic consequences for the sphere but continued optimistically to say “ Even through this crisis the products we produce can represent such an important persona in get love , joy , convalescence and hope . So many people are house - jump but they can bring in joy and lifetime to their rest home and gardens with flowers and plant , at least where they can in reality get them . ”

He went on to outline the industry financial backing being provided by AIPH and its industry mag , FloraCulture International . This include the publishing of factsheets foreground the scientific grounds for the benefits to wellness and well-being that follow from plants , heyday and horticulture . These will provide an crucial imagination for those reach media and lobbying governments .

In come together Bernard Oosterom said “ I consider our industry will go this violent storm and come out the other side being recognize far more than we are now . But this depends on the decision and resilience of all of us and particularly those growers set all their energies and resources into produce their wonderful crops . ”

For more information : AIPHwww.aiph.org