According to Amy Stewart (Flower Confidential), flower workers in Latin America earn less than 4 cents for every rose sold. They often work long hours in terrible conditions, inhaling pesticides with no job security, no pensions, no healthcare, women can face sexual harassment, pay inequality, workplace discrimination and union-forming is punished.
Read a day in the life of a Colombia Flower Worker at the International Labor Rights Forum to learn more – http://www.laborrights.org/rights-for-working-women/working-mothers-stories/workers-stories-amanda-camacho-colombian-cut-flower
It’s amazing how ugly otherwise beautiful things can look when you know the back story, so to make sure your blooms continue to give pleasure, look for ethically-sound farms which have been certified by either the Flower Label Program or Veriflora. Both have distinctive logos so they’re really easy to recognize.
Veriflora is an agricultural sustainability certification and eco-labeling program recognized as the gold-standard in the floriculture and horticulture industries. It focuses on quality, the environment and people. 
Start talking to your local florists and encourage them to get involved; in the meantime buy from these florists who are supporting flower workers’ rights; ask for their fair trade bouquets.
Long Island – Nature’s Petal
Queens – Sunnyside Florist
Brooklyn – Blooms on Fifth
Thanks to your purchase of Fair Trade Certified flowers, female flower workers have equal access to employment.
