Environmental Impact of Edible Flower Production: A Case Study (original) (raw)

Environmental footprint of roses: representative product study

2021

This document represents a representative product study carried out in the context of the development of a methodology for calculating the environmental footprints of horticultural products, according to the newly released methodological standard-HortiFootprint category rules. The purpose of this product study was to identify the most relevant impact categories, life cycle stages, processes and direct elementary flows and also to identify the data needs, all feeding into the methodology development. This publication is meant as an illustration of a product environmental footprint (PEF) study for roses that are produced in a Dutch greenhouse with combined heat and power (CHP) system, transported across the main countries of export. The functional unit is one stem of 70 cmlong roses at commercial grade

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) of Roses and Cyclamens in Greenhouse Cultivation

2008

The flower market of the Terlizzi agro-industrial district (Bari, Italy) represents the 20% of the Italian production, which is the second in Europe after the Netherlands. The main products are cut flowers and plants in vase, in particular roses and cyclamens. In this framework the European Project "Ecoflower Terlizzi" was carried out to support the implementation of a sustainable environmental policy in the Terlizzi district. The project was aimed at defining the criteria of environmental quality of the flowers produced in this area and includes both the definition of an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) programme and of a local eco-label (type I). To reach this objective environmental analyses and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) studies were carried out on a sample of seven enterprises representative of the Terlizzi's production systems. They were analysed on the basis of on-site data collection including materials and components for structures and equipments, energy and water consumption, fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals used in the cultivation phase. Three farms produce roses with soilless cultivation systems, two produce roses in soil and two produce cyclamens' pots. In this paper the main issues concerning the application of the LCA methodology to the production of roses and cyclamens and the results obtained will be presented. Thermal energy consumption gives the main contribution to the environmental impacts of the roses' life cycle. For the cyclamens' pots the main contribution comes from the seedlings production. For both productions, electricity consumption, structures and equipments give a significant contribution to the environmental impacts.

Evaluation of Existing Research Concerning Sustainability in the Value Chain of Ornamental Plants

European Journal of Sustainable Development, 2017

In recent years the concept of "Sustainable Development" has become increasingly relevant in society as well as for the economy. Like in other consumer spending areas, sustainability is getting an increasing role in the ornamental plant production, marketing and consumption. Research in the production area has been focused on achieving a better quality and longevity of ornamentals at point of sale and also on environmental aspects as part of sustainability. The maintenance of the quality and longevity of the plants until the point of sale have been the objectives of post-harvest handling and distribution. At consumer level studies show that the well-being and the indoor quality improvement are the main reasons for having ornamentals. However the concept of sustainability has not been investigated throughout the entire ornamental plant value chain. Economic and interdisciplinary factors play a role in this lack of studies. By analysing the existing literature, the paper evaluates in which areas of the value chain the concept of sustainability have not been considered and identifies potential future steps to reach a more sustainable complete lifecycle of ornamentals.

Blooms beyond beauty: Commercializing floral waste for a sustainable city

The present research investigates the commercialization possibilities of floral waste in order to generate economic opportunities. When attractive blooms die, they change into a rich resource stream, providing environmentally favourable solutions. Current garbage disposal methods contribute to environmental damage, necessitating a move towards sustainable solutions. Researchers investigate the social, environmental, and economic implications of commercialising floral wastes using interviews, surveys, and field observations. The findings reveal a variety of waste streams-discarded flowers, leaves, and other plant remnants, each with potential for items such as organic fertilisers, natural dyes, and artisanal craft. Economic viability analysis emphasises the financial feasibility of this change, whereas social and environmental implications highlight job creation, biodiversity conservation, community empowerment, and waste reduction. Challenges like as commercial acceptability and technological limits are handled with inventive solutions, ensuring a greener, more prosperous future. This study proposes the reimagining of floral wastes as economic assets, promoting sustainability in the country's cultural and ecological fabric.

Life Cycle Assessment Interpretation and Improvement of the Sicilian Artichokes Production

2014

This paper presents the results obtained from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the production of Sicilian artichokes (Cynara scolymus) with the aim of reducing impacts, interpreting the results, suggesting possible improvements and enriching the sustainability knowledge already existing in the agro food field. Artichokes represent one of the excellent Italian agricultural products even if still not well-known and not appreciated despite their nutritional and functional quality. According to FAOSTAT (2013) data, Italy is the world leader in artichokes production, grown mainly in the central and southern regions of Italy, in particular in Sicily, Apulia and Sardinia. In particular, among all the Italian regions, Sicily, which is highly suited for this type of cultivation, is ranked first in terms of quantity produced: the reason for this lies in the excellent combination of climate and geological conformation of the soils. The study was conducted in accordance with the ISO standards...

Production of Ornamental Plants and Cut Flowers in Peri-Urban Areas: An Economic and Environmental Analysis of the Barcelona Metropolitan Region, Spain

Urban Growth and the Circular Economy, 2018

Ornamental plants and floral plants are not usually considered in research works on urban agriculture. On the contrary, the main stream of research is focused on food production. An essential feature of ornamental plant markets is that they are global. Most of consumers ornamental plants and cut flowers are located in Europe, United States of America and Japan, and the emerging producers are located in South America and Africa. Ornamental crops present a very high added value, if they are compared with vegetables and fruits, or crops like cereals. Ornamental plants and cut flowers production needs a high level of technology to control the irrigation system (soilless culture), the environment (temperature, humidity, light) and the postharvest. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the technological level used by urban farmers. More specifically, this objective can be achieved through the next questions: How to be competitive in the ornamental global market? Which are the advantages of these farmers being located in urban areas? Which channels do they use to sell their production? A semi-structured survey was conducted of ornamental and cut flowers farmers in Barcelona Metropolitan Region (Catalonia, Spain). The survey was approved by the working group of Entrepreneurial Models of Urban Agriculture within the framework of the European project Cost Action TD 1106 Urban Agriculture Europe.

Life cycle assessment of carnation production in Greece

Cut flowers represent a globalised economic sector that is associated with various environmental impacts. The aim of this research is the presentation of the results of the application of life cycle assessment in the environmental assessment of the greenhouse farm cultivation of carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) in Greece. The scope of the present research included the cultivation of carnations in a greenhouse in the eastern part of the Peloponnese region in Greece. Inventory was based on the actual field operations for the cultivation of carnations in greenhouses. The impact assessment method used was CML 2 baseline 2000. The results indicate that the major environmental impact is caused by the use of electricity for the refrigerated preservation of the cut carnations.

The Panorama of Usage of Flowers for Eating Purposes: Results from a Questionnaire Survey

Agriculture and Food, 2018

This work aimed to characterize the use of edible flowers for gastronomic purposes. A survey was done by internet in Portugal, and 147 valid questionnaires were completed, by individuals between 18 and 78 years old. The instrument included questions not only about consumption habits, but also about the knowledge relatively to edible flowers. The results revealed that flowers are appreciated when it comes to gastronomic preparations and could be consumed more frequently. They are recognized mostly for their organoleptic and decorative characteristics. Edible flowers are a part of modern gastronomic trends, and people are consuming this type of product more frequently, mostly fresh and particularly in salads. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the possible risks associated to their consumption, such as pesticides or toxicity, but fortunately the Portuguese consumers are aware of this problem. It is a reality that the market of edible flowers is expanding, and restaurants appear as important links on the chain of edible flowers consumption. Still, to further incentive the home preparation of recipes with edible flowers, it is necessary to provide cookbooks that include more edible flowers as in their recipes.

Behaviour of consumers of conventional and organic flowers and ornamental plants in Italy

Horticultural Science, 2013

The paper analyses preferences and motivations of Italian consumers of flowers and ornamental plants, both conventional and organic. The results helped to outline their profile. Purchases are still done in the traditional places (flower shops for cut flowers and plant nurseries for potted plants), however positive trend is found for potted plants purchases at large distribution chains. Some differences came out as to purchase motivations: cut flowers are mainly bought in special occasions whereas potted plants purchases are linked to personal use. The results confirm a positive relationship between the purchase of flowers and plants and the age of the interviewees, besides showing that women are interested on purchases. The information we obtained is relevant not only for the sector’s operators in order to define effective managerial strategies, but also for the policy maker to address new market and consumption policies.