“Unfortunately flower growing is not regarded as agricultural production. Everybody needs to realize that growing flowers is indeed an agricultural production and contributes massively to the national economy. Support programs to improve flower growing business in Turkey need to be prepared and implemented as soon as possible", says Antalya Chamber of Florists Chairman Alim Uysal.
"As it is in every industry, the fluctuations in currency have also impacted the prices of flowers, and a lot of florists are fighting for the survival of their businesses. Consumers are buying fewer flowers now due to economic instability in the country and declining purchasing power. Most consumers still regard flowers as a luxury item.
"The sale of flowers through the internet and supermarkets is also affecting florists negatively and starts creating monopolies in the sector. Other factors such as the ban on sale of flowers in hospitals, people asking for donations to charities instead of flowers at funerals are also affecting the sector negatively."
Source: Antalya Ekspress