Insights on the flower market

Thank you so much for your informative article about the Southern California Flower Market. (“Downtown a hothouse for flourishing flower market,” Feb. 13.) I had always thought the market’s suppliers were local growers, so it was interesting to learn about the “flood of imported flowers.”

A few days ago, I read another story about the deplorable working conditions many South American flower workers face -- long hours, inadequate protection against toxic chemicals, all sorts of health problems and poverty-level wages.

I hope that you and your editors will consider expanding the context of your story so that your readers can more fully understand some of the consequences of free-trade agreements and be better informed consumers at the Southern California Flower Market and local retailers.

Debra Daly

Anaheim