SOUTHBURY, Connecticut — Ecuador’s flower industry, valued at $1 billion, ranks as the world’s third-largest exporter of cut flowers. Most flower farms are located in rural communities in the Andes mountains, where the combination of rich volcanic soil and 12 hours of sunlight per day create an ideal environment for growing and cultivating flowers— especially roses.
Improving Labor Standards in Flower Farms
A key factor in the exploitation of labor on flower farms stems from the absence of established standards and practices for workers. However, in the past two decades, numerous organizations have set these standards and certified compliant farms.
Founded in 2005, Flor Ecuador is a certification program that enforces safety, sustainability and labor compliance across its many certified farms. Similarly, the Rainforest Alliance, a global organization, has certified several farms in Ecuador for adhering to its best practices. Another initiative that stands out as the most directly impactful certification in the region is Fairtrade. A 2020 study revealed that Fairtrade certification brought significant benefits to women workers on 10 certified flower farms. These women received equal wages, benefits, fair working conditions and maternity leave.
Company-Led Initiatives Ecuador’s Flower Industry
Certifications in sustainable practices and labor standards have advanced Ecuador’s flower industry. Additionally, individual companies have implemented policies that further benefit the workforce.
Equatoroses, situated in the foothills of the Cotopaxi volcano at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, exports hundreds of thousands of roses annually from its 10 farms. Keeping workers at the heart of its values, the company employs more than 900 families and offers three daily meals along with onsite health care. Moreover, in a region struggling with food insecurity and limited access to medical care, these benefits are significant for the workers.
Hoja Verde, another company operating near the Cayambe volcano, also benefits from the fertile volcanic soil. It holds a B Corporation certification, reserved for companies that positively impact their workers, the community, the environment and customers through their operations and business model.
The Santiago Partnership and Forever Flowers Initiative
Although the cut flower industry significantly employs and empowers populations in rural areas, high levels of poverty persist in the region. Beyond the benefits of the flower sector in Ecuador, nongovernmental organizations are also active in the area, contributing to its development. The Santiago Partnership, an international religious organization, aims to assist at-risk communities globally. It runs the Forever Flowers initiative to empower indigenous communities in rural areas in Ecuador.
Looking Forward
Ecuador’s flower industry is blossoming into a beacon of hope for rural communities, showcasing significant strides in labor standards and sustainable practices. As the sector continues to grow, the collaborative efforts of certifications, companies and NGOs promise brighter futures for Ecuador’s workers and their families.
– William Galante
Photo: Unsplash