When the sales of ornamental plants ceased since the first opening of the season, it was reported that millions of flowers and plants with a market value of 1.1 billion liras went to waste, and the producers were bankrupt and employees were starved.
The Union of Ornamental Plants Manufacturers, Union of Ornamental Plants and Products Exporters, TMMOB Chamber of Landscape Architects, and 43 cooperative governments, who came together on the major problem in the sector, requested an emergency rescue package.
Representing that the ornamental plants and landscape sector are among the sectors most affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, the representatives stated that public purchases and retail trade for ornamental plants have come to a halt, and the export opportunity has decreased significantly due to restrictions.
Cut flowers sent from Antalya, which has a say in the floristry sector, to the whole world remained in the hands of the producer.
We are waiting for 9 months
While the sector representatives stated that the marketing process that started in March and continued in April and May was critical for ornamental plants, “All labor was wasted.
There is no chance of storing ready-to-sell products, especially seasonal and cut flowers. In this period when the production was most intense, the products had to be disposed of and could be thrown away, and there was nearly 100 percent job loss. ”
70 percent of businesses shut down if government does not take action
Sector representatives warned that if the support is not provided, the loss will reach 2.5 billion lira within 3 months and 70 percent of the enterprises will be closed, and made the following requests from the government:
– The sector should be included in the force majeure in order to benefit from tax delays.
– Postpone loan debts without interest for at least 1 year. A mortgage-free 2-year grace KGF-like loan should be given.
– Virus compensation is given to ornamental plants.
– VAT should be reduced to 8 percent, and the state should bear the aircraft shipping costs.
– Use of domestic plants is mandatory in tenders.
