February 14, 2013, Updated February 11, 2013

It’s the day of love and romance for those celebrating Valentine’s Day around the world, and a day of hard work for Israeli farmers. Israel’s Flower Growers Association said the country will export some 60 million roses, orchids, Bonsai trees and other flowers to Europe this Valentine’s Day.

Haim Hadad, secretary-general of the association, said Israel will send flowers to The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and for the first time, the UK.

Hadad pointed to the great year-round weather as the main reason so many EU countries turn to Israel for flowers during the holiday.

While roses are the traditional flowers of choice, Hadad reported a growing interest this year in orchids, Bonsai trees and other flowering plants.

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