INTERVIEW
A "moment of happiness" for May 1st. "There will be an agreement so that the florists can do their work", announced the president of the Union of the companies of proximity, Alain Griset, Thursday at the microphone of Europe 1, specifying leaving a telephone conversation with Matignon. "It seemed abnormal that we could sell lily of the valley in the large distribution and in garden centers, and that the florists could not do it."
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For several days, confusion reigned around the traditional sale of lily of the valley on May 1st. The Minister of Agriculture, Didier Guillaume, had launched an appeal on Europe 1 so that all French people buy their sprig of lily of the valley, but at the same time the authorities prohibited the opening of florists and the sale on their pas-de- door.
Supply issues
"I think there was a bit of confusion," said Alain Griset. According to him, it was paradoxical to authorize the sale in food stores, from the bakery to the butcher's shop, and to forbid it to professionals. For them, this celebration is an important day in terms of revenue. Artisans florists will nevertheless have to respect certain health security measures: they will be able to hold a stand outside their shop.
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Still, the coronavirus epidemic affects the distribution network of thrush: "It may be difficult, for those who had registered the first decision, to obtain." The president of the Union of local businesses specifies that an initiative of "interprofessional solidarity" has been launched. Food stores are called upon to sell lily of the valley supplied by florists near their homes.