Results of a joint survey by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and FloraCulture International magazine (FCI) sent to horticultural trade associations and industry specialists from around the world on 17 March 2020.
1. To what degree do you believe your members will be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak?
2. How is it impacting your members? (Multiple choice responses)
3. Which government emergency policy measures have had the most significant impact, and when did it enter into force?
“Quarantine from 11 March for the whole population has closed the nurseries, garden centres and florists.”
European response
4. How is your organisation supporting the horticulture industry at this moment in time?
“By providing regular updates and communications as the situation evolves. Working with the government, and advising them that production and retail nurseries are ‘essential businesses’ to supply greenlife for ornamental and production horticulture.”
Oceania response
5. How have your events and activities been affected?
“Less visitors at trade shows, then the events have been cancelled. Some of our projects will be delayed and some decisions will be postponed.”
European response
6. Are your members experiencing an interruption in the logistic supply chain? (multiple choice responses)
7. Please provide examples
“Cut flowers couldn’t be transported outside the production area because of border closure before the 14 February. A lot of air cargo was cancelled due to less demand. ”
Asia response
8. What are the most useful things that your members can do to prepare for coronavirus?
“Stay at home and keep an eye on the coronavirus spread, as well as the ornamental horticulture from many channels. Organise online meetings and discussions about how to recover after the epidemic. Try to sell products online and via live streaming, or offer online flower design training or home decoration.”
Asia response
9. How are your members managing disruption to their supply chains as a result of coronavirus?
“Customers are no longer shopping. The demand for nursery products is down. Inventories building up. However, growing supplies are still easily sourced.”
North America response
10. Do you know what support will be available from your government for companies managing the impact of coronavirus?
“A package of emergency measures have been published, including: 1. allowance for labour costs; 2. deferral of tax; 3. capital guarantee for bank loans and bank guarantees; 4. compensation for the affected sectors/entrepreneurs.”
European response
11. If you are making any estimates on the impact on the industry, such as % down on sales.
“Due to government regulations, all flower shops are closed. So it’s 100% downtime.”
European response
12. Please share your concerns or comments:
“Gardening is a pursuit that can be carried out in solitude and is beneficial to people’s wellbeing. We urgently need these facts to be highlighted to the general public to encourage business. We are in the difficult position of having to plan 10-12 weeks ahead to have stock available when things return to some normality. We are having to reduce staff and not take on our usual seasonal workers at present or until we have some certainty.”
European response
For more information visit www.aiph.org and www.floracultureinternational.com
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