Organisation of fair trade flower production with small rose producers in Ecuador

Our research on export flower production in Ecuador has shown that large flower producers compete with subsistence smallholders for water while obtaining sustainability and fairtrade certification labels. At the same time, about six hundred small rose producers do not have direct access to the export flower market. Informality of the arrangements makes it difficult to obtain fairtrade certification. One formal association of small rose producers demonstrates its feasibility. A major effect of the booming flower business is the deteriorating water quality of the rivers due to effluents from both flower greenhouses as well as untreated wastewater from the villages.