Paris (AFP)
Florists, garden centers, associations and individuals will be able this year to sell the traditional sprig of May 1 lily of the valley under almost usual conditions, one year after the strict confinement which had left a bitter taste to professionals, announced the government on Monday.
"In the current health context, a particular device is planned to allow both the celebration of this popular tradition and the respect of the sanitary protocol in force", indicate in a press release the Ministry of Agriculture and that delegated to SMEs.
Last year, this period had grieved the florists, forced to close due to the health crisis due to Covid-19.
They had only been allowed to sell lily of the valley for delivery or withdrawal from their doorstep.
This time, unlike other businesses, they have remained open and will therefore be able to sell white bells, symbols of good luck, just like garden centers and supermarkets.
Street selling by associations or individuals is also authorized "within the limit of gatherings of six people".
The government also recalls that "the travel restriction measures remain on May 1st. Thus, the collection of thrush by individuals must be done between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and within a perimeter of ten kilometers around their location. 'dwelling ".
This day is the fourth of the year in terms of sales for florists, behind Mother's Day, Christmas and Valentine's Day, according to the Federation of Artisan Florists.
Normally, during the weekend of May 1st, 31% of the lily of the valley sprigs sold in France are bought from a florist, 25% in supermarkets, 11% in a market, 9% in garden centers, 4% in the 'exploitation and 20% in other places, especially in the street, according to the panelist Kantar.
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