It feels uncomfortable talking about plants as Ukraine suffers

Naturally, the question is how a Ukraine-Russia war would impact the global economy and, what a full-scale invasion of Europe's second-largest country could mean for us working in the floral industry.

But, to be perfectly honest, it feels incredibly uncomfortable talking about flowers and plants, while in a country less than a two-hour flight away from my home country The Netherlands a war is raging with all the atrocities, casualties, fear, and despair happening to humankind.

In a phone call, Matthijs Mesken, managing director of VGB, the Dutch Association of Wholesalers in Floricultural Products agrees it feels awkward to talk shop when Ukraine is under siege. But he cannot deny there are reasons for concern. European natural gas prices are especially susceptible to today's news, because Russia provides more than a third of Europe's supply, with some of it running through pipelines in Ukraine.

Eventually, this situation will lead to an even higher energy bill for greenhouse growers and subsequently higher flower and plant prices for exporters.  Getting paid on time is also a concern for all exporters trading with Ukraine and Russia. And waiting for your payment can put a strain on the exporter's cash flow.

Click here to read more.

Photo Courtesy of AIPH

Source: AIPH