In this article you will find an update from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV), who are involved in the crisis measures surrounding the Coronavirus and informs Royal FloraHolland about the impact of the virus on the export market.
Germany
Direct support measures worth EUR 50 billion for companies to cope with the economic consequences of the Corona crisis have been extended to farmers and agricultural production companies with up to 10 employees. As of today, the federal financial aid is available to the Länder. Under the federal aid programme, small enterprises with up to 5 employees can receive a one-off liquidity support of EUR 9,000. For enterprises with up to 10 employees this amount is EUR 15,000. This does not have to be repaid. For an overview of aid payments per country, see this overview
Poland
An article has appeared in the Polish media on Poland's poor working conditions in the Netherlands, with temporary employment agencies and employers failing to implement measures to prevent the spread of Corona. The Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is aware of this.
Portugal
In the last 15 days, almost all orders in the ornamental horticulture sector have been cancelled; exports are also at a standstill - 30% flowers and 70% plants. Due to stagnation in sales, 2.5 million plants and flowers are lost. The sector employs more than 5,000 people throughout the country and has a turnover of 700 million euros.
Slovakia
The Slovak government has decided that, among other things, garden centres may reopen.
Spain
The Spanish flower and plant sector suffers great damage. Spain produces many spring flowers, Hibiscus and dipladenia, for example, but that market has completely collapsed. In addition, many flowers are normally sold around Easter, Mother's Day, and in garden centres that are now closed. As a result, growers are losing 70% of their annual turnover in these two or three months.
Source: today all country updates are from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (Corona Agrotrade LAN update).