09
Feb
Valentine’s Day Sparks Discussion of Pesticide Hazards and Sustainable Practices in Flower Industry
(Beyond Pesticides, February 9, 2026) Every year during the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, the story of pesticide-intensive practices in the flower industry is told. The hazards of pesticides used in flower production and their resulting residues are well-documented. At the same time, the benefits of flowers to one’s psychological well-being have been studied, with findings that suggest flowers are a positive stimulus for emotional well-being, beyond the beauty that they bring to a home, wedding, office, or hospital room. One scientific study shows that flowers perform a socio-emotional function, while a survey done by the American Society for Horticultural Science finds that, “Consumers consistently reported positive effects of cut flowers on mood, morale, and stress reduction.” People want to share this positivity through the giving of flowers, especially on Valentine’s Day. Despite these benefits, the few studies that have been conducted show elevated pesticide exposure for florists through inhalation and dermal absorption. Beyond Pesticides’ network, recognizing that flowers can be grown with organic practices, is asking EPA and Congress to eliminate pesticide use in flower production and resulting residues, while supporting the transition to organic management practices. Similar to food production, the organization says that health and the environment do not have to be compromised for beautiful flowers.
This is not just an annual Valentine’s Day story. According to market research, “The global market for Cut Flowers was valued at US$37 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$50.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR [compound annual growth rate] of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030.” So, Valentine’s Day is a mere reminder that cut flowers in everyday life are an agricultural product, which are grown with chemical-intensive practices. And, like other sectors of agriculture, the industry would like to be thought of as “sustainable.” To that end, the certification program Florverde Sustainable Flowers was founded in 1996 and “guarantees responsible practices in the production of flowers and ornamentals. . . [with] three fundamental pillars: environmental sustainable, social responsibility, economic efficiency.” The program cites 10,000 certified hectares and certification processes underway in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, Nicaragua, Ecuador, El Salvador and Colombia. The program, according to its public facing information, does not certify organic practices, but says it aligns with pesticide use management practices that are characterized as “integrated pest management,” and points to their acceptance under the “Walmart U.S. Pollinator Health Position, demonstrating strong adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and environmental stewardship practices.” While Walmart has pledged to reduce the use of bee-toxic neonicotinoid insecticides by its suppliers, under its IPM system pesticides on the market are allowed to be used. Beyond Pesticides is urging all purveyors of agricultural and processed food, like Walmart, to help eliminate toxic chemicals in food production by selling only certified organic products. With studies showing that chemical pollution exceeds safe planetary limits, Beyond Pesticides points to the organic solution as a critical social good that requires the support of responsible corporations.
The Guardian’s pre-Valentine’s Day piece reads: “Unlike in food, there is no upper limit on the amount of pesticide residue levels in flowers. But after French officials linked the death of a florist’s child to exposure in pregnancy, many in the industry are now raising the alarm.” The piece cites Pesticide Action Network Europe’s website warning, “Valentine’s Day: don’t poison your loved one, avoid toxic flowers.” They write: “Our member PAN Netherlands tested 13 bouquets — tulips, roses, and mixed bouquets — by a certified laboratory. Residues of pesticides were found in all bouquets. A total of 71 different active substances were found in the 13 bouquets examined, of which 28 (39%) are banned in the EU. They found that, on average, each bouquet contained 25 toxic substances. Two-thirds of the chemicals posed risks to the health of flower growers, buyers, and biodiversity. A third of them, like the bee-toxic imidacloprid, were banned in the EU.”
An earlier review reported in Environmental Pollution (2021) finds “201 chemicals present on flowers, 93 are banned in the European Union.” The same piece cites the range of adverse effects in the areas where flowers are grown: “Studies covering environmental impacts of flower production show evidence of pesticide contamination in water resources surrounded by flower crops, causing changes in color and odor, as well as compromising survival of aquatic organisms (Breilh, 2012; Jansen and Harmsen, 2011). However, water bodies are not the only ones to be affected. In soil, pesticides can contribute to decreased fertility and have negative effects on organisms (Aguirre, 2003). In the atmosphere, these compounds can be long-range transported by air masses, reaching food crop areas and even natural parks, essential for biodiversity conservation (Dunn et al., 2013).”
Although workers growing flowers and florists handling them suffer the most from exposure to pesticides on flowers, residues are still present when delivered. The Sustainable Floristry Network reports, “Pesticide use in floriculture has been linked to respiratory issues and skin conditions, reproductive disorders, birth issues, and adverse health effects in residents of flower production areas such as poorer neurobehavioral development.” In addition, pesticides may interfere with immune system functioning, making a thoughtful gift into a threat.
Although USDA’s Organic Integrity Database has 1884 listings of certified organic flower growers in the U.S., Beyond Pesticides has been unable to find a reliable online retail provider of organic flowers and recommends verification or certification that any purchase is indeed organic. Alternatively, for Valentine’s Day, there are many places to purchase organic chocolate, fruit baskets, or wine online [see more on our partnership with Frey Vineyards below!]. Organic food can be purchased from local food stores to make a unique gift basket!
Tell EPA and Congress to eliminate pesticide use in flower production and resulting residues, while supporting the transition to organic management practices. [In another related action, Tell your U.S. Representative and Senators to become a cosponsor of the Opportunities in Organic Act, which has been reintroduced by U.S. Senator Peter Welch and U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta.]
Letter to Congress
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I am concerned that flowers I might give to loved ones may be hazardous to their health. Unlike pesticides applied to foods, pesticide residues on flowers are not limited. As a result, flowers may have high residues of several pesticides, including those banned for most uses. One review found that of 201 chemicals present on flowers, 93 are banned in the European Union. Although workers growing flowers and florists handling them suffer the most from exposure to pesticides on flowers, residues are still present when delivered. The Sustainable Floristry Network reports, “Pesticide use in floriculture has been linked to respiratory issues and skin conditions, reproductive disorders, birth issues and adverse health effects in residents of flower production areas such as poorer neurobehavioral development.”
Cut flowers are given on Valentine’s Day, and on other special occasions. They are also sent to people in the hospital or at home who are ill or recuperating. In addition to the effects mentioned above, the pesticides may interfere with immune system functioning, making a cheerful message into a potentially dangerous threat—to both patients and caregivers.
EPA must not allow pesticide residues on flowers. USDA’s Organic Integrity Database contains 1884 listings of certified organic flower growers in the U.S. and more abroad. Thus, allowing hazardous pesticides to be used—and contaminate—cut flowers sold in the U.S. is a violation of the no unreasonable adverse effects standard in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
Please tell EPA to eliminate the use or residues of hazardous pesticides on cut flowers grown in the U.S. or imported.
Thank you.
Letter to EPA Administrator
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I am concerned that flowers I might give to loved ones may be hazardous to their health. Unlike pesticides applied to foods, pesticide residues on flowers are not limited. As a result, flowers may have high residues of several pesticides, including those banned for most uses. One review found that of 201 chemicals present on flowers, 93 are banned in the European Union. Although workers growing flowers and florists handling them suffer the most from exposure to pesticides on flowers, residues are still present when delivered. The Sustainable Floristry Network reports, “Pesticide use in floriculture has been linked to respiratory issues and skin conditions, reproductive disorders, birth issues and adverse health effects in residents of flower production areas such as poorer neurobehavioral development.”
Cut flowers are given on Valentine’s Day, and on other special occasions. They are also sent to people in the hospital or at home who are ill or recuperating. In addition to the effects mentioned above, the pesticides may interfere with immune system functioning, making a cheerful message into a potentially dangerous threat—to both patients and caregivers.
EPA must not allow pesticide residues on flowers. USDA’s Organic Integrity Database contains 1884 listings of certified organic flower growers in the U.S. and more abroad. Thus, allowing hazardous pesticides to be used—and contaminate—cut flowers sold in the U.S. is a violation of the no unreasonable adverse effects standard in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
Please do not allow the use or residues of hazardous pesticides on cut flowers grown in the U.S. or imported.
Thank you.
***
This Valentine’s Day—Taste the Difference: Organic Wine for a Meaningful Impact
This Valentine’s Day, as an alternative to flowers for your loved ones [please see our Action and don’t poison your valentine!], discover the wines from the Frey family—long valued sponsors of our National Forum series and a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated winery located at the pristine headwaters of the Russian River in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California.
Frey Vineyards has generously partnered with us and our network to offer a special discount on their incredible selection of wines—part of which is donated to Beyond Pesticides [25%]! ✨ We raise a glass to you, Frey Vineyards, for your commitment to an organic future and allyship in leading the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides! ↪️ Use promo code BEYOND20 at checkout to enjoy 20% OFF your Frey Wine purchase and FREE SHIPPING! https://www.freywine.com?couponCode=BEYOND20
Fan favorites from our staff include: the Organic Late Harvest Zinfandel (2022), “rich, jammy flavors of ripe blackberry and dark cherry, with notes of raisin, fig, and a hint of sweet spice, balanced by a velvety texture and a lingering, smooth finish,” the Organic Viognier (2018) with “succulent flavors of Asian pear and custard apple leading to a creamy mouthfeel,” and the Biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc (2022), with “notes of lemon custard, pineapple, and guava with deftly balanced acidity.”
Since 1980, America’s first Organic and Biodynamic Winery has been producing award-winning Organic and Biodynamic wines without added sulfites. In the U.S., only wine made with organic grapes and naturally occurring sulfites can be labeled organic.
Please remember to enjoy responsibly. For more information on the benefits of organic systems, click here: https://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/organic-agriculture/overview
All unattributed positions and opinions in this piece are those of Beyond Pesticides.
