What is interesting is whether Big Island flower farmers are embracing the organic movement or not. And if so, how are they going about it?
There's an abundance of certified organic produce suppliers, but flowers farmers are subject to different verification processes. That seems to be reason why my searches for certified organic flower farmers in Hawaii is with pretty nil results, ‒ going on four years now.
Also know that botanist Nyree Parisi grows anthuriums on her organic farm, Aina Nui. You can find her beauties in organic-conscious stores, such as Down to Earth in Hilo. Nyree grows them on 42 pristine acres in Pahoa. Amongst red, orange, pink, and multi-hued blooms, she offers the rare choice of white that is preferred for weddings. Read more about organic flower production and Nyree on NaturalNews.com. Note her recommendation to add chamomile tea or a drop of Rescue Remedy to water for longer-lasting results.
Much like the path of certified organic produce, the U.S. organic flower market has grown stronger. OrganicBouquet.com, based in San Rafael, California, was successfully launched nationwide in August 2002. The business originated with the goal to establish the national market for organic flowers
. But co-founder Gerald Prolman said it was hard convincing growers to convert. The first argument was the cost of certification with the USDA organic label.Thankfully the results of combined commitments, charitable fund-raising partnerships, and determination resulted in a reliable certified organic distribution system whereas Organic Bouquet quickly became the market leader in organic flowers.
The Organic Bouquet business models widespread trade and consumer awareness of the need for organic flowers. The quality of farm working conditions is improved, damages to ecosystems are minimized, biodiversity is conserved, and environmental quality for future generations is enhanced.
So how is organic certification achieved? Well the VeriFlora™ green label certification is conducted by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), a leader in independent third party verification and sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry standards development.
From the VeriFlora site you can download copies of the VeriFlora certification standard, the initial application form for producers of cut flowers, the forms for handlers of cut flowers, producers of potted plants, and handlers of potted plants. Further assistance may be available by contacting HOFA. Another certification choice is Florverde®, whose implementation ensures compliance with strict international social and environmental standards from planting to post harvest.
Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy, which is undeniably worthy. The USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.
Organic Bouquet CEO Gerald Prolman predicted that by Valentine's Day 2012, the U.S. market for environmentally-friendly roses and flowers will exceed $100 million, as Americans spent $230 billion each year on environmentally responsible purchases. In 2005 the U.S. organic market was estimated to be worth $14.6 billion in annual sales, growing at approximately 17% per year.
Clearly, this is not a passing fad as organic flowers are one of the fastest growing sectors of the non-food organic market. Additionally, organic weddings are a serious and lucrative market, for which Hawaii is prime to unite goals with tourism. Expect to see certified organic leis from Hawaii forthcoming!
Author Delia Montgomery is a Puna District resident and environmental design consultant. Also a green broker for home, body and garden products with a sustainable living Amazon bookstore. Questions or comments are welcome.
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