The ambassador of Colombia to the United States met with floral workers in South Florida who are advocating the passage of a free trade agreement.
Ambassador Gabriel Silva joined members of the Association of Floral Importers of Florida in Miami on Thursday. The workers say they’ve been hurt by the end of the Andean Trade Preference Drug Eradication Act, which expired in February. According to the organization, flower importers are now paying an estimated $2 million a month in duties.
The Colombia Free Trade Agreement would give importers permanent duty free status. Advocates say it would create about 250,000 jobs in the United States.
The florists are advocating for an extension of the Andean trade agreement until a free trade agreement can be implemented.