The recent reports from the RIVM and the NVWA about imported roses require careful and factual interpretation. Within the floriculture chain, every link in the chain bears responsibility for quality, safety and transparency.
Europe has one of the strictest frameworks in the world for the use of plant protection products. At the same time, climatic conditions, cultivation systems and diseases and pests vary greatly from country to country. Legislation outside Europe is therefore structured differently and growers are obliged to comply with the national rules that apply there. However, international trade does not mean that products are grown without supervision or care.
It is right that regulators such as the NVWA draw attention to the potential risks to people who work with flowers professionally and to the environmental impact of waste processing. Transparency and supervision are an important foundation for trust in our sector.
As an importer and exporter, FM Group emphasises that quality and product safety are central to everything we do. Based on this responsibility, we have been conducting monthly residue tests on our largest product groups, including roses from Europe, South America and Africa, for several years. These analyses are carried out by an independent laboratory and assessed by us.
We check the results against European legislation, regardless of the origin of the product, and use these insights to actively engage in dialogue with our growers. When deviations are found, we work with the grower to reduce the use of chemicals and, where possible, to switch to organic pest control. We continue to monitor these growers and require them to demonstrate demonstrable improvements.
At the same time, honesty requires us to recognise that residues cannot be completely ruled out as long as substances are permitted under national legislation. That is precisely why continuous monitoring, transparency and cooperation within the chain are essential. In addition, we purchase the majority of our products certified, with clear requirements in terms of environmental impact, crop protection and transparency.
The floriculture industry is an international chain with many links. For the most part, work is carried out responsibly, but exceptions can occur. FM Group is aware that open communication with suppliers is crucial to maintaining trust and enabling structural improvements.
With Valentine's Day approaching, we feel it is important to emphasise that roses are produced with care, responsibility and attention to people and the environment. We remain committed to a transparent, reliable and future-proof floriculture sector.