Flower firms warned over non-compliance with regulations

By Binyam Tamene

Over 20 flower producers and exporters were warned by the Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) last week to comply with the Code of Compliance or face expulsion. After consultation with all concerned stockholders, legal regulation of the code has been drafted and is on the way to being formally endorsed by the Council of Ministers, with the Ethiopian Environment Protection Authority having the power to implement it.

The agency expressed its 'deepest concern' about the flower growers who remained behind the acceptable schedule and ordered, through a formal letter, those companies to pay special concern to fulfill the requirements before the regulation becomes operational.

Launched by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association at the end of 2007, the code of practice is aimed at encouraging the implementation of good agricultural practices and sustainable production techniques by ensuring standards of occupational health. It also gives due emphasis to safety and acceptable employment practices, training and capacity building at all levels.

The agency said so far many flower farms have complied with the Green Book on code of practice and they are waiting to be audited.
"However, because of the limited commitment and less readiness by some companies in fulfilling the requirement, compliance did not materialise as anticipated," said the agency.

The code sets three levels of performance, Bronze, Silver and Gold in a bid to ensure sustainable production and management practices.
"Thus, the companies who are not able to meet at least the minimum complaint at the Bronze Level code of practice requirement cannot export and/ or operate in the business," said EHDA in a statement sent to companies that have not complied.

Over 20 companies have not certified the code of practice, which was launched by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association, EHPEA at the end of 2007.

They include King Ethio Flowers Plc, Soreya Blossoms, Addis Floracom, Noa Flora Plc, 2K Flowers Plc, Siet Agro Plc, Yassin Legesse/Johnson Flower Plc, Zagewe Flora Plc, Awassa Greenwood Plc, Shebaa flower Plc, Euro Flora Plc, Eden Roses Plc, Top Flower Plc, Beauty Green Plc, "A" Flower Plc, Super Arsity Flowers, Roshnara Roses Plc, Ethiopian Meadows Plc, Arsi Flowers Plc, and Menahe Tizazu Plc.

Source: Capital