The Government Buys 2.7 Million Flowers for Students Who Can't Attend Entrance and Graduation Ceremonies... Concentrated Purchase

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Announces Plans to Promote Flower Consumption and Provide Financial Support to Farmers

At the 'Flower Sharing Event for Employees to Promote Flower Consumption' held on the 13th at the NongHyup Central Association headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, NongHyup officials are handing out flowers to employees on their way to work. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] As the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation or significant reduction of entrance and graduation ceremonies at the beginning of the year, flower farmers suffered losses, prompting the government to initiate large-scale flower purchases. The government plans to decorate offices by purchasing flowers primarily through relevant ministries and affiliated organizations, while also strengthening support through various promotional events, facility funds, and interest rate reductions.

On the 13th, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced measures to promote flower consumption and provide financial support to farmers. Accordingly, by next month, 21 organizations including affiliated institutions and the NongHyup (National Agricultural Cooperative Federation) will promote "Office Flower Lifestyle (1 Table 1 Flower)" and focus on purchasing 2.7 million flowers through floral decorations. However, the related costs were not disclosed together due to varying unit prices depending on purchase volume and additional labor costs. To support flower shops, each organization will purchase flowers locally, and flower bouquet gift events will be held for NongHyup Bank and other NongHyup customers. The government is also discussing ways to expand consumption with hotel industries that consume many flowers, such as Lotte Hotel, Chosun Hotel, Parnas, Hanwha, and Sheraton Palace.

Efforts to revitalize flower consumption through online and offline promotions are also underway. Starting today, an online promotional event linked with producer groups will begin, and sales activation will be pursued through large online malls and home shopping channels. Plans include linking internet search engine ad spaces with online flower sales malls and discussing with related industries to activate the use of gift vouchers via real-time mobile messenger apps.

Regarding convenience store sales, previously announced, to coexist with nearby flower shops, sales will focus on franchise stores rather than directly operated stores, mainly in areas without competition. The goal is to sell 11,000 single-flower bouquets and 20,000 small air-purifying plants monthly at convenience stores.

For wholesale market flower farmers, 42 billion KRW of national funds will be prioritized for facility financing, and the interest rate on shipment advance payments will be lowered from the existing 1.5% to 1%. Additionally, the 30 billion KRW agricultural management recovery fund established this year will be executed to provide support.

Furthermore, flower consumption will be promoted through a reusable wreath labeling system, and flower utilization experiential education will be conducted for elementary and middle school students. Horticultural therapy programs for socially disadvantaged groups will also be expanded.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.