Farmer Kang Jae-hee discards roses at his farm in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, on Feb. 4, 2020, as bids for flowers were recently voided due to the cancellation of a number of events amid the escalating coronavirus crisis. (Yonhap)
BUSAN, Feb. 5 (Korea Bizwire) – The coronavirus outbreak is hurting floriculturists as an increasing number of schools are cancelling graduation and enrollment ceremonies.
Nonghyeop Busan Flowering Plant Joint Market reported that a single package of roses cost between 4,000 and 6,000 won (US$3.37-5.05).
Farmers complain that selling their product at these prices doesn’t even pay for their heating bills, let alone allow them to make a profit, after an additional fee of 7 percent is taken away from the price as commission.
Last year, the same package of roses cost around between 12,000 and 15,000 won.
“My flowers always end up unsold, every time I go out for public auction,” said Kang Jae-hee who has been growing roses for 22 years.
Farmers of gypsophila, also known as baby’s breath, are also experiencing a similar situation. Last year, gypsophila cost around 15,000 to 25,000 won per package. Now, the price has plunged between 6,000 and 8,000 won.
“Farmers, wholesalers, and retailers are all worried that the situation might continue in the long term,” said a source from the market in Busan.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
