Many of Australia's flowers are imported, but that may be about to change
Source: ABC News
Australia has been importing fresh-cut flowers for 45 years, but those working in the industry say there is little regulation, no country of origin labelling laws and an ever-present biosecurity risk.
Key points:
Imported roses are cheaper to produce in their country of origin, but with freight and quarantine costs they often cost more
Florists and wholesalers say imported flowers offer consistent quality and often a year-round growing season
The industry is being called on to give feedback on the Government's proposed tougher biosecurity measures
About $67 million worth of flowers land on our shores every year from places as far away as Ecuador, Kenya and Singapore.
Imports kicked up a notch about 10 to 15 years ago and that saw some Australian growers leave the industry, while others learnt to adapt.
Now more change is afoot, as the Government steps up its biosecurity measures on cut flower and foliage imports.
It could be the leg-up local growers have been waiting for.
Last year, the Federal Government announced an increase to biosecurity measures after a 2017 review found less than half of imported flowers complied with environmental safeguards.
Read the full article here.
