In Europe's Capitals, Peddlars Are Selling Large, Long-stemmed Roses. Where Do They Come From In Winter?

These are most likely farm roses imported from Kenya or Brazil. About 1,5 million roses enter Europe each and every day from Kenya alone. Only the best roses are taken for export. On the local market, you can buy 25 roses for Euro 3,-, whereas in Europe this is the average price for one rose!

Environmentalists have a critical eye on the producers of farm-roses. They claim some chemicals used make workers sick. They also claim that valuable water resources are used for the growth of farm-roses, deplete lakes' water levels, diminishing fish count in lakes + rivers and make fishermen jobless.

On the other hand, the international investors claim to be model employers: good pay, a company kindergarten, schools of all grades, company houses and a company hospital of the most modern standard are the benefits, besides all paid meals for all employees and their children.

There are, however, some downsides as well. Pay for 8 hours work is only 1 Euro. Lacking alternative employers in the region, people consider themselves lucky to get a job at the rose-farms.

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