Florists and garden centers in France are allowed to stay open during the country's partial lock down. A victory for the entire industry, says Mikaël Mercier, President of Val'hor. "It is a recognition for all of our businesses, producers, florists, garden centers, seed companies, wholesalers, landscapers - designers and entrepreneurs. But also and above all, from this morning, a responsibility towards our customers and our employees, and towards the Government which trusts us", he stated in a release published on March 20.
The government decree went into force on March 20 and will last for four weeks. "Since the beginning of December, after the second confinement, we have decided to carry out substantive, influencing and communication actions to promote understanding of the uniqueness of our businesses. We agreed on a common position, decided to communicate in the press, on social networks. We have worked at all political levels to convince people of the need to allow trade in flowers and plants."
In his message, he thanks several professionals for their support and he insists on one point: be careful to respect and enforce barrier gestures. "We must live up to this trust placed in us. We must guarantee the health of our customers and our employees. We must now be at the rendezvous of the coming Spring."
By authorizing the exercise of our professions, the Government also wants to give hope to the French. Being surrounded by flowers at home, being able to garden, being able to beautify your living space, being able to cultivate your vegetable garden... all this allows you to project yourself towards a better future. Flowers and plants have immense power and you know it better than anyone."
Also in his message on March 20, he says: "On this Spring day, let us know how to bring happiness, well-being, beauty. Let’s do it with a lot of responsibility but also with modesty, thinking of all the jobs that are still at a standstill."