| Summary: | This film about growing and selling roses is an illuminating study of the globalization of the floriculture industry. "Roses are for you, but thorns are for us" says a worker at the Ecuadorian plantation which grows these flowers for export. It is indeed ironic that this symbol of romance has become a story of exploitation and disease. The most beautiful and prized roses find perfect growing conditions in Ecuador, where huge greenhouses replace small farms and are the only employment available. However, to grow these flowers requires heavy applications of pesticides and fumigants; many plantations do not provide protective gear for their workers. There has been a huge increase in cancers, respiratory diseases and other health problems among the workers-- and their babies. In addition, the laborers are grossly underpaid and attempts to unionize have led to mass dismissals. A few enlightened companies have instituted a system of certification-- buying "certified" roses means the workers safety was protected and their wages and workload were fair. However, certified companies have higher expenses, and are at a competitive disadvantage from non- regulated companies. This eye-opening film gives voice to both workers, owners and health officials and makes clear that producing and transporting such fragile item to customers thousands of miles away is a risky undertaking for all involved.
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