Buy a Kenyan Rose this Valentine’s Day

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander asks consumers to buy Kenyan flowers this Thursday

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander today encouraged romantics in the UK to buy Kenyan flowers this Valentine's Day.

Farmers and flower producers have been working extra hard to get flowers to market in time for Valentine's Day given the unrest in the country.

Kenya is the lead exporter into the EU of cut flowers. Roses constitute more than 70% of Kenya's flower exports and by meeting demand for roses used on 14 February and Mother's Day (March 2) exporters earn more than the rest of the year's sales combined. The Kenyan economy is already under great strain given the political situation and a dip in exports could make the country's problems worse including many further job losses.

Douglas Alexander said:

"It's encouraging to see that more and more people recognise the benefits of buying products from developing countries as a way of supporting the poorest people on this earth. Everyone can make a difference on Valentine's Day including to the lives of Kenyan farmers who, given the current political crisis in the country, have been working so hard in such difficult conditions to ensure their flowers reach the market in time for 14 February.

"Buying flowers from developing countries makes it easier for people there to make a decent living. It's also important to remember that flowers flown in from Kenya aren't grown in heated greenhouses so they use less energy than most of those produced in Europe."

Help in choosing the right gift for your partner this Valentine's Day is available at www.dfid.gov.uk/myethicalvalentine from Monday 11th February.