Our Flowers: Sustainable, Responsible, and Carefully Selected
The floral industry has increasingly come under scrutiny in recent years. Headlines and studies have highlighted that cut flowers often contain pesticides and other chemical substances that can be harmful to the environment and, in some cases, even to human health. Labor conditions in producing countries are also receiving well-deserved attention.
At the Boerma Instituut, we believe it is important to be transparent about this. Our students work with flowers every day, so we want to make responsible choices when selecting the materials we use.
- Organic Flowers: Wherever possible, we choose organic flowers. The availability is still limited, but fortunately, the number of growers working organically is steadily increasing.
- Recognized Certifications: All our flowers comply with European legislation and carry one or more recognized certifications.
- Procurement via Auction Companies: Most of our flowers are purchased through auction companies that strictly monitor the certifications and standards of their growers.
This ensures that during a workshop or course at our institute, you can rely on flowers that are responsibly cultivated.
Why Certifications Matter 🌍
Certifications provide assurance about the origin and sustainability of flowers:
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Are they grown sustainably?
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Which and how many pesticides have been used?
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Are the labor conditions of the growers fair?
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Is biodiversity and environmental protection considered?
Not all certifications focus on the same aspects, some emphasize environmental impact, while others prioritize social responsibility. Here are the most well-known certifications in the floral industry:
MPS-ABC
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An internationally recognized certification program assessing how environmentally friendly a grower operates.
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How it works: Growers are rated from A+ (very sustainable) to C (basic level).
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Why it matters: Provides insight into the environmental impact of the flowers we purchase.
EU-Organic 🌿
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The official European label for organic agriculture. No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used, and biodiversity and soil health are prioritized.
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Why it matters: Organic flowers are better for nature and safer to work with in workshops.
Fairtrade (Max Havelaar) 🤝
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Guarantees fair wages and safe working conditions, especially in producing countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.
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Why it matters: Helps reduce inequality in the supply chain and makes the industry more humane.
Rainforest Alliance 🐒🌳
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Focuses on protecting ecosystems and biodiversity while ensuring social standards for workers.
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Why it matters: Especially for flowers from Latin America, it helps prevent deforestation and promotes responsible cultivation.
Global G.A.P.
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An internationally recognized certification system with requirements for environmental impact, food safety, biodiversity, and social aspects.
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Why it matters: Guarantees sustainable and controlled production.
Barometer Duurzame Bloemist (Netherlands)
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A Dutch certification for florists, rewarding sustainable purchasing, energy use, and transport.
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Why it matters: Ensures that florists actively consider their environmental impact.
What This Means at the Boerma Instituut 🎓
Our Procurement: We buy our flowers from reputable auction companies that work with certified growers, ensuring compliance with European legislation.
Our Choices: Where possible, we select organic flowers; this availability is growing steadily.
Our Guarantee: All flowers we use carry a recognized certification, such as MPS-ABC, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, or GlobalG.A.P.
This means that during a workshop or course, you not only learn floral design but also work with responsibly cultivated flowers.
Why This Is So Important 🌱
Research shows that pesticide use in the ornamental flower sector is, on average, four times higher than in conventional agriculture. This can negatively impact biodiversity, bee populations, and the environment.
By choosing flowers with reliable certifications, we contribute to:
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A healthier industry with reduced pesticide use
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Better labor conditions for growers worldwide
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Increased awareness among students and consumers about sustainable choices
Conclusion 🌸
At the Boerma Instituut, we work with passion and respect for flowers. Sustainability is central to everything we do. Whether you attend a workshop or a full professional course, you can trust that the flowers you work with are carefully and responsibly selected.
💚 Floral design is not only about beauty, it’s also about respect for nature and the people who grow the flowers.
