The hustle and bustle of Valentine’s Day is upon us, and with it comes the intricate dance of importing 940 million fresh flowers. While lovers eagerly anticipate their bouquets, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look reveals the painstaking efforts of workers to ensure the timely delivery of these blooms.
At the heart of this floral frenzy lies the Miami International Airport, where a staggering 90 percent of US floral imports are processed. As Cupid’s busiest hub, the airport is a beehive of activity as workers meticulously inspect shipments from Colombia and Ecuador. Roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums are carefully scrutinized for dangerous pests, plant diseases, and foreign animals that could jeopardize US agriculture.
The stakes are high in this battle to safeguard American agriculture, as invasive species cost the industry a staggering $120 billion annually in economic and environmental damage. To combat this threat, agriculture specialists with US Customs and Border Protection diligently examine over a billion stems of cut flowers each year, meticulously ensuring that each bouquet is free of harmful contaminants.
Amidst this floral flurry, Avianca Cargo emerges as a key player, shipping 18,000 tons of flowers from Colombia on 300 flights in just three weeks. As the largest flower importer in Miami, Avianca Cargo plays a vital role in meeting the soaring demand for flowers during the Valentine’s season. Diogo Elias, the senior vice president, underscores the company’s commitment to doubling its capacity to meet the holiday rush.
The sheer scale of this operation is staggering, with 1,500 tons of flowers arriving daily at the Miami International Airport. These shipments, valued at over $1.6 billion, account for nearly 400,000 tons of the 3 million tons of cargo processed at the airport last year. The economic significance of these imports is hard to ignore, with flower shipments alone worth a whopping $450 million in January and February.
As the influx of flowers intensifies during this busy season, the US Customs and Border Protection steps up its vigilance to safeguard American agriculture. With over 385 million flower arrangements and 76 million roses inspected in the past year, CBP agents work tirelessly to prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering the country. While the majority of flowers are safe, even a single pest or plant disease can spell disaster for American crops.
The recent trade dispute between the United States and Colombia added a layer of tension to the already complex floral landscape. President Gustavo Petro’s rejection of US military flights carrying deported immigrants threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Colombia’s flower industry. However, with the resolution of the trade conflict in late January, the flow of flowers from Colombia continues unabated, much to the relief of florists and consumers alike.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Miami International Airport remains a hive of activity, with workers striving to ensure the safe passage of millions of blooms to their eager recipients. Behind the scenes of this floral extravaganza lies a tale of dedication, meticulous inspection, and unwavering commitment to protecting American agriculture. So, as you receive your bouquet this Valentine’s Day, remember the labor of love that goes into making this celebration of love possible.
