Ecuadorian flower sector under threat from protest action

The Ecuadorian Flower industry is declairing itself in a state of emergency in the face of the progressive violent seizure of farms and the physical aggression against the workers of its members.

The action, which is being led by the indigenous population of Ecuador, comes as a result of the Governments decision to remove four decade old fuel subsidies as part of its agreement with the IMF to borrow £3.4bn to shore up Ecuador’s economy and ease the debt burden.

However with protestors now blocking roads it is causing increasing issues within the flower sector. According to a report on the Society of News some growing areas are affected more than others, but the knock on effect is now being felt around the globe as Ecuadorian flowers fail to make their delivery slots.

In addition the inability for workers to access the fields means essential crop maintenance work is being hampered which could, if it carries on too long, impact on crop productivity and quality months down the line.

Alejandro Martínez (pictured top) Executive President of Expoflores, the National Association of Flower Producers and Exporters of Ecuado,  has declared itself explained that the situation reached unsustainable levels on October 10, due to the increase in aggressions to farms and violent attacks on workers, especially women

"With this level of losses and the impossibility of resuming normal working hours as well as the mobilization of inputs and flowers, the sector today is in emergency. If the activities are not resumed, around 20,000 tons of flowers will be lost, amounting to more than $250 million dollars," explained Martínez. In addition, he assured that the sector registers a loss of almost $30 million that strongly affects more than 300,000 families who work in floriculture.

Damage seen on flower farms in Ecuador - Picture Radiocolosal.com

"We have received official letters from leaders and zonal groups that expressly threaten the companies and their workers if they decide to continue their daily work. The roads have been blocked with tractors and seedlings are made outside the farms that impede daily work," he explained.  Martínez also denounced unusually violent attacks on the facilities by hooded youths who destroy and beat workers, including women.

theflorist.co.uk will be monitoring the situation and report as we hear more.