Exporting Suffering: The Flower Industry at Home and Abroad

During this seminar, Dr. Yogi Hale Hendlin, invited us to look beyond the petals and into the industrial processes that sustain the trade of cut flowers, processes which rely heavily on pesticides like ammonia and glyphosate. From the hands that grow and harvest the flowers, to those who transport and buy them, everyone is exposed to a toxic “cocktail” of pesticides. The health consequences are alarming: scientific research has linked this exposure to respiratory diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s. Children, pregnant women, who face higher risks of miscarriage and birth defects, and the elderly are especially vulnerable.

Turning to the cases of Colombia and Ecuador, Dr. Yogi shed light on the darker realities behind floral exports. In Colombia—one of the world’s leading flower producers—growers use between 212 and 337 kilograms of active pesticide ingredients per hectare, more than double the Dutch average. He also reflected on the persistence of child labor in the sector, citing author Max Fisher. Despite the romanticized image, flower production often relies on child labor and harmful practices, yet another hidden cost of a global industry sustained by invisible labor.

In response, Dr. Lina Garzón offered a different lens—one rooted in cultural memory and tradition. In Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” flowers are more than an export; they are symbols of resilience and joy. The city’s Feria de las Flores (Flowers Fair) celebrates this connection each year, turning flower cultivation into an expression of identity. In some neighborhoods, residents create vibrant floral sculptures, transforming blooms into art that reflects pride in their land and stories. Here, flowers don’t just speak of labor, they speak of life.

Lastly, Ing. Margriet Mantingh, Chair of the Pesticide Action Network Netherlands, urged the audience to become more conscious of what we consume, especially on occasions like Valentine’s Day. She shared the results of a test conducted on bouquets, which revealed traces of 25 different pesticides in just one arrangement. This striking revelation leaves us with an unsettling question: Are we really buying flowers? 

For more information, please visit our website. We will soon announce more seminars exploring the intersections of environment, labor, and sustainability in the cut flower industry.