Flower Label Program (FLP)

Based in Germany, the Flower Label Program was created in 1998. Founded by two major associations representing the flower trade in Germany (BGI – German Flower Wholesaler and Import Organization and FDF – Professional Association of German Florists) together with human rights organizations and trade unions, FLP's initiative is to set human rights and environmental protection standards for flower farms all over the world to follow.

The objective of the Flower Label Program is to improve labor, social, health and safety standards for farm workers; improve and reduce the use of chemicals and pesticides on flowers; and to follow stringent standards to protect the environment.

Over 55 farms worldwide have joined the Flower Label Program, including farms from Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
 
What are the Requirements for the Flower Label Program (FLP)?
The Flower Label Program sets standards and guidelines by the International Code of Conduct on human rights and environmental protection for flower farms to follow. These standards and guidelines are in the areas of:
* Freedom of association (the freedom for workers to form trade unions)
* Prohibition of child labor and forced labor
* Proper employment contracts and above-average social and working conditions
* Health safeguards and a secure working environment
* Responsible attitude towards natural resources and the environment
* Non-use of toxic pesticides and chemicals

Farms must also comply with internationally accepted workers’ rights as set by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
 
 
How are Farms Monitored?
Flower farms must first comply with the FLP standards/guidelines. When they feel they meet the requirements and are ready to be inspected, the farm will submit a pre-inspection report to the FLP office in Germany. An on-site inspection will then be conducted by an independent inspection organization (the Bonn, Germany-based ACG Agrar-Control GmbH), and upon a successful inspection, the farm is accepted as a member of the Flower Label Program and receives the FLP certificate and the right to market their flowers under the FLP label.

Every year thereafter, human rights groups and trade unions carry out inspections of the farms (ACG will also conduct unannounced spot checks), assuring the farm consistently meets the FLP certification requirements.
 
 
Worker Health/Treatment/Social Issues
Flower Label Program worker health/treatment/social issue facts (based on the International Code of Conduct):
* Employees can apply for jobs/training on equal terms, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, color, marital status, sexual orientation, political opinion, religion or social origin. (Note: women are not allowed to work with pesticides and chemicals).
* Employees have the right to form and join trade unions, and collective bargaining is recognized.
* Employees have a legally valid written contract of employment that safeguards them from loss of pay in the case of illness, disability and accidents.
* Minimum wages and additional social benefits are guaranteed.
* Farms provide workers compensation, maternity and retirement benefits.
* Women who have or wish to have children are not discriminated against. Pregnancy tests are not required before hiring, and paid maternity leave is given (at least three months on full pay). The employee does not incur any loss of privilege on account of such leave.
* Working hours (no more than 48 hours per week), overtime (voluntary) and paid leave (at least three weeks per year) comply with applicable and industry standards.
* Child labor is prohibited.
* Forced labor is prohibited.
* Harassment at the workplace, particularly of female workers, is strictly prevented and enforced.
* Employees are provided free regular medical care carried out by a physician.
* For emergencies/accidents, rapid medical attention and an on-site first aid station is assured. Transportation to the nearest hospital is arranged when necessary.
* Farms provide clean restroom facilities with toilets, showers and washing facilities
* Farms provide clean drinking water for employees and a separate kitchen for cooking, eating and food/drink storage.
* Where housing is provided, it meets the minimum standards for size, ventilation, cooking facilities, water supply and sanitary facilities.
* Farms provide free work clothes to employees, which are washed by the company.
* Some farms provide a cafeteria, providing nutritious and varied food options.
* Transportation to/from the farm for employees is provided or a mileage allowance is paid.
 
 
Pesticide/Chemical Usage
Flower Label Program pesticide/chemical usage facts (based on the International Code of Conduct):
* Employees are informed and trained on health and safety matters at the farm, especially matters dealing with pesticides and chemicals. Training courses are held periodically.
* All work at the farm is organized in such a way as not to endanger the safety and health of the employees.
* High-risk jobs and areas (i.e. spraying and handling pesticides, construction and maintenance work) must be indicated (by posted signs) and supervised.
* All pesticide applications are documented indicating time, crop, pest/disease and information on the pesticide used, including active ingredient, quantity and dosage. This data is then compiled and calculated every month.
* Pesticide treatments are replaced with organic methods whenever possible.
* Only products that are registered for use in the country may be applied to flowers.
* Banned, highly toxic (WHO 1) or carcinogenic pesticides and chemicals are prohibited.
* Only specially trained workers with suitable and protective equipment and clothing (provided by the company) spray, handle and store pesticides and chemicals.
* Spray equipment receives regular maintenance and is cleaned and tested after each application.
* Spray operators do not spray for more than four hours per day and follow a job rotation (one week spraying, two weeks non-spraying).
* Employees who handle pesticides and chemicals (spraying, mixing, storing) are examined by a medical doctor three times a year.
* Pesticide application in the greenhouses is prohibited while workers are inside.
* Warning signs are required at each greenhouse entrance indicating areas sprayed and time/date allowed for safe entry. Re-entry intervals are strictly observed, as the application must be dry before handling the flowers again.
* Pesticides and chemicals are locked in well-ventilated rooms that meet safety regulations (clean, cool, dry, no drain, fire protection, original containers), and only authorized personnel have access to the room.
 
 
Environmental Conservation
Flower Label Program environmental conservation facts (based on the International Code of Conduct):
* Farms make every effort to protect the environment and the residential areas, avoiding pollution and implementing sustainable use of natural resources (water, soil, air, etc.).
* An environmental protection officer inspects and evaluates the farm, making suggestions for improvements and inspecting the farm’s compliance with the regulations.
* Special measures are taken to protect drinking water sources, ground water, surface water, rivers, dikes and lakes.
* Special attention is given to protect the flora and fauna within the farm and the surrounding areas.
* Farms have a water management system that minimizes water consumption (i.e. drip irrigation, water application direct to the root zone, etc.) and conserves ground and surface water. Water consumption is measured by tensiometers, etc.
* Rainwater is used whenever possible.
* Energy consumption (electricity, heating oil, natural gas) is kept at a minimum, and renewable energy is used whenever possible.
* Farms have a waste management system that reduces waste and pollution conforming to the requirements of the law.
* Organic waste (flower waste materials) are composted and reused on the farm. Feeding organic materials that have been contaminated by pesticides and chemicals to animals is prohibited.
* Paper, plastic, metal, wood and other waste materials are separated and recycled.
* All waste water, especially those contaminated with pesticides and chemicals, is specially treated (i.e. carbon filters, setting basins, chemical detoxification) before safe disposal in accordance with the law.
* Air pollution, including unpleasant smells caused by pesticides and chemicals, in the open air is prohibited.
* The distance between greenhouses or pesticide application areas and residential areas/houses must be no less than 328 feet (100 meters).
* Expansion of the farm, building alterations, supply of water, waste disposal and other environmentally relevant measures must conform with existing zoning/building laws of the regional and/or local authorities.
 
 
Statistics
* Over 55 farms worldwide have joined the Flower Label Program, including farms from Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
* The combined size of these farms is more than 2,470 acres (approx. 1000 hectares) with a total workforce of approximately 15,000 workers.
(Source: Flower Label Program)
 
 
For more information on the Flower Label Program (FLP), contact:
Flower Label Program Germany
Managing Director: Silke Peters
Siegfriedstr. 1-3
50678 Koln
Germany
Phone: 0049 221 340 66 45
Fax: 0049 221 340 69 68
www.flower-label-program.org
info@flower-label-program.org or peters@flower-label-program.org