To make the case that globalization can be a tool to fight poverty in the world's poorest countries, a New York Times columnist turned to the floral industry.

"A rose that's a social tool can smell as sweet," writes Roger Cohen in his March 13 editorial.

Cohen filed his column from Naivasha, Kenya, where he observed operations at Longonot Horticulture, which exports some 90,000 rose stems a day.

"Within two days, the roses [from Kenya's Rift Valley] will be in Europe, probably Britain, where 70 percent of production goes," Cohen explains. "A small number is flown to the United States. By the fifth day, they will be in supermarkets. A four-day shelf life is allowed, and a 7-day guarantee is given buyers. So the roses must be good for just over two weeks."

In addition to marveling at the scope and capabilities of the global floral industry, Cohen used the column to advance his opinion that, when properly regulated, the industry can be an empowering economic engine for local communities.

"Africans don't need charity," Cohen writes. "They need the jobs globalization brings. They also need the developed world's social and environmental pressure."

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--Mary Westbrook
mwestbrook@safnow.org

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