New EU rules threaten to dampen flower sector

Workers from Naivasha-based Maridadi flower farm prepare roses for export ahead of Valentine's Day when demand for the flowers is at its highest. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

Flower farmers are crying foul over the move by the European Union (EU) to increase inspection checks by 25 per cent on all cut roses entering their market.

Through the Agricultural Employers Association (AEA), they warned that the new rules could dampen the international demand for the country's flowers leading to job losses.