The EU agri-sector hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic

The European Commission granted derogations from competition rules, but the flower and plants sector delegation said these are not sufficient to deliver any tangible financial relief to the flower and live plants sector.

A Dutch flower grower based in Kerry who was facing into having to dump a field of tulips in the compost heap because of the Covid-19 lockdown has instead donated bucket loads to nursing homes with gardai serving as her delivery drivers. Self confessed "flower fanatic" Jiska Healy lives outside the village of Lyracrumpane with her husband Maurice.

The EU’s flower and plants sector suffered financial losses estimated at €4.1 billion in six weeks, due to the Covid-19 crisis.