Israeli growers could benefit from Russian-Dutch 'flower war'
Just days after illegally burning imported Western food, Russian authorities this week began doing the same with imported Dutch flowers, claiming that the blooms pose safety risks because they may be infected. Government officials are now considering a ban on flowers from the Netherlands, which sends up to 5 percent of its sales – and accounts for much of – the $2.5 billion flower Russian market.
While analysts say that flower prices in Russia could jump by over 50% if an import ban is imposed, Russian growers as well as exporters in Israel, Kenya, Ecuador and Colombia could profit from the situation.
"The moment [Russian President Vladimir] Putin enforces limitations on flowers from Europe, those who will benefit the most are the flower growers in Israel," Chayim Chadad, general secretary of the Israel Flower Growers Organization, told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday.
Click here to read the complete article at jpost.com.
