Flower shortage could lead to Valentine’s Day misery

New rules surrounding post Brexit border checks could lead to significant flower shortages for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, an expert has warned.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress says that the post Brexit border controls surrounding plants due to come into force this month will have a detrimental effect on the industry.

Dutch flower growers are also urging the UK government to delay the change to prevent damage and loss among the industry.

The new checks require European importers to provide health certificates for animal and plant products from January 31st and physical inspections will take place from April.

Currently physical inspections can take place at garden centres where plants are still cared for whilst they await examination.

The new rules mean that checks will take place at ports where plants will be at risk from sitting in delayed lorries for hours, damaging the goods.

Plants that require certificates will be those that are deemed as ‘medium and high risk’ such as Chrysanthemums and Orchids which are commonly given on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Thousands of partners and mums will be left disappointed this year with many expected to miss out on bouquets on their special day.

Chris Bonnett said: “The timing of these changes is a real worry for the horticulture industry especially given that this is a peak season with Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day approaching.

“It’s likely that this will affect us right through until the Spring bank holiday. Not only will the new checks lead to a shortage of flowers but it’s also likely that consumers will face the brunt of it all with increased prices of flowers and plants.

“Flowers are extremely delicate goods that require care. The current system allows plants to be taken to garden centres where they can be cared for before inspections take place. With the new rules, plants could be sitting in lorries for hours before they are examined.

“Not only will there be a delay in getting the products, but it’s now likely that the goods could be damaged upon arrival!”

Despite the industry calling for a delay until 2025, ministers have ruled out the possibility of an extension with the rules already being postponed five times since January 2021.

Chris continued: “The industry and the EU is just not ready to cope with this kind of change in the midst of our busiest season.

“Horticulturists and trade experts are pleading for an extension until 2025 but it’s looking very unlikely. Ministers seem adamant that the rules cannot be pushed back another time.

“We’re calling for more to be done – there have been so many delays up until this point that ministers need to give us a fairer chance at being prepared for such a change.

“Not only will this give everyone more time but it will minimise the effects on consumers too. Increasing the prices of flowers and plants and having shortages on two big occasions just isn’t fair.

“Waiting until 2025 will spare the tears of mums and partners everywhere and give the sector time to prepare for the change so that minimal disruption is caused.”