Just a decade ago most of the flowers we bought came from the flower growers throughout the western and southern United States.  But our taste for more unique and specialty blooms has changed the origin of where we now get most of our flowers.

Although California is still one of America’s top flower producers, with Washington second, U.S. flower growers face stiff competition from Columbian imports, which account for more than 90% of total cut flower sold in some categories according to Food and Water Watch, a Washington D.C. watch-dog group. Countries like Ecuador and Colombia with their lower wages, lax regulatory and safety standards provides a cheaper export platform for competing against U.S. flower producers.

“…Imported roses and carnations have already grown to dominate the U.S. retail flower market, and Colombia is the primary supplier of imported roses and carnations. Between 1992 and 2006, the share of imported roses grew from 34 percent of the U.S. market to 91 percent of the U.S. market, and the share of imported carnations rose from 67 to 97 percent. … Since 2000, Colombian carnations made up more than 95 percent of imported carnations by dollar value. Colombia’s share of total rose imports grew by 13 percent over the past decade, from 64 percent in 1998 to 72 percent in 2007.”

So in addition to U.S. trade policies, such as the Columbian Free Trade Agreement, these countries are able to produce better quality, longer lasting flowers becuase of their hospitable climates, leaving many US flower producers at a disadvantage because of unpredictable weather changes. 

“The reason Colombian flowers are consistently proven to be the best all comes down to the near perfect conditions in the Sabana de Bogata region where the majority of Colombian flowers are grown. Situated just a short drive from the main airport, this vast plateau sits on the Equator, surrounded by the Andes mountains.

Together with a stable all-year-round temperature and strong sun, the region is acknowledged as one of the best growing areas in the world … indeed the envy of many other countries who have to deal with fluctuating heat and light which creates a fluctuation in product quality. Add to that the latest technology, a constant re-evaluation of varieties to make sure they have the latest colours and varieties and it’s easy to see why Colombian flowers have consistently topped the polls with florists and wholesalers alike…” this according to the Columbia Land of Flowers website. 

Together, Columbia and Ecuador accounted for roughly 90% of all roses, 98% of all carnations, and 95% of all chrysanthemums sold in the U.S. last year.

It’s a surprise to know that the flowers we order online or at the local florist perhaps traveled half way around the world to ultimately wind up in the hands of our girlfriends, moms, husbands, home decorators, secret admirers and on and on and on. Now we know!