Australia last year imported $76 million worth of cut flowers, accounting for half of those sold across the country. Before they are freighted from countries including Kenya, Ecuador and Colombia, the stems are soaked in herbicide glyphosate.
The process, called devitalisation, prevents propagation of flowers and helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases. After an eight-year evaluation, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) has decided the post-harvest treatment is no longer needed.
As part of the review, the department examined whether the practice of soaking stems in weedkiller was scientifically justified. It also looked at import conditions to see if they met Australia's World Trade Organisation (WTO) obligations.
A draft report said the risk of propagation and biosecurity issues without the treatment was low. About 15 types of flowers and foliage are treated, including roses and carnations. At an online industry briefing in November, DAFF representatives told growers there were no documented cases of individuals propagating cut flower imports commercially in Australia.
Read more at ABC News Australia
