Suwon Citizens and Public Institutions Extend Helping Hand to Struggling Flower Farmers
\r\n[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] As spring approaches, flower farmers are facing severe hardship due to COVID-19. Suwon citizens and Suwon City public institutions have extended helping hands to them.
\r\n\r\nPark Kyung-jae, who has been running a flower farm in Homae-sil-dong, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon for 21 years, saw his sales channels completely blocked this year due to COVID-19.
\r\n\r\nUnlike previous years, he could not dream of peak seasons such as graduation, admission, and Valentine's Day. Flowers he sent to auction often returned in trucks without being sold, and he even received calls from wholesale markets telling him not to send flowers.
\r\n\r\nWith tulips, he was unable to ship 80 percent of his crop, and he faced the situation of having to bury premium freesias in the ground without being able to sell them.
\r\n\r\nAt that time, he received word that large bakeries in Suwon, Hwaseong, and Gunpo would help him sell flowers. A smile finally appeared on Park's face. He said, "Thanks to the bakeries selling my flowers, I was able to ship more than half of my freesias," and added, "I am only grateful to the neighbors who helped us in difficult times."
\r\n\r\nOne of the bakeries that purchased Park's flowers is 'Piés Montes,' a traditional Korean-style bakery located in Gosaeok-dong, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon.
\r\n\r\nIn the shop, in front of bunches of freesias, there is a sign reading "We would appreciate your great support for flower farms struggling due to COVID-19," with a box where customers voluntarily place payment.
\r\n\r\nThe idea to sell flowers to customers came from Won-seok Woo, the representative of Piés Montes.
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\r\nRepresentative Woo, who loves flowers, learned of the difficulties flower farmers were facing through news reports. He was introduced to a nearby freesia farm through the Suwon Agricultural Technology Center and decided to sell them at his shop.
\r\n\r\nThere is no financial gain, he said. In fact, he has more work to do, including changing water and packaging flowers. Still, during the four weeks of sales, he feels a sense of accomplishment seeing customers smile with joy as they purchase flowers.
\r\n\r\nRepresentative Woo, who is also vice chairman of the Korean Confectionery Association, proposed helping flower farmers to large bakeries affiliated with the association.
\r\n\r\nRepresentative Woo said, "While bakeries are also facing difficulties with reduced sales, it is fortunate that we can give hope to local farmers," and added, "I hope that as flowers bloom anew, many people will gain new hope and find strength."
\r\n\r\nSuwon City has also actively stepped forward to revitalize the flower farming industry.
\r\n\r\nMayor Yeom Tae-young expressed his gratitude to approximately 60 staff members at screening clinics on the frontlines of COVID-19, who are working to prevent disease spread, by sending them freesias along with thank-you letters.
\r\n\r\nThe Suwon Agricultural Technology Center requested cooperation from each city department to use flowers produced by local flower farmers to plant flowers in administrative offices, surrounding areas, and street flower beds to welcome spring.
\r\n\r\nIn response, each city department decided to promptly implement projects using cut flowers, potted plants, and bedding plants. The center also requested cooperation from various organizations to promote flower consumption and increase sales volume.
\r\n\r\nAn official from the Suwon Agricultural Technology Center said, "We ask for your participation in promoting flower consumption so that local flower farmers facing serious difficulties can regain their strength," and added, "We will continue to make efforts to expand practical demand for flowers."