The traditional sale of sprigs of lily of the valley on the occasion of May 1 does not escape the upheavals of Covid-19.
"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", announced Monday the Ministry of Agriculture.
If it therefore remains authorized, the sale of lily of the valley will be done this year in businesses already open and listed in the decree of March 19, 2021: florists, garden centers and supermarket chains.
Street selling allowed
Individuals will also be able to sell on the sly, respecting the limit of gatherings to six people maximum and respecting the travel restriction measures.
"Thus, the collection of thrush by individuals will have to be done between 6 am and 7 pm and within a perimeter of ten kilometers around their place of residence", specifies the Ministry of Agriculture.
The street sale of lily of the valley by individuals on May 1 usually constitutes a “tolerance” framed by municipal decrees, on small quantities, without hindering pedestrian traffic and without installing trestles, for example.
Last year it was not allowed, and florists remained closed.
The Nantes market gardeners federation, which brings together producers located on the outskirts of Nantes, where more than 80% of the lily of the valley sold in France grows, estimates that more than 70% of the 60 million strands of lily of the valley usually sold will be lost this year. Lily of the valley represents between 20 and 30 million euros in turnover per year, according to the federation.