US: Bill to provide Hawaii with floriculture research funding
“Floriculture remains one of our most profitable agricultural sectors in Hawaii, supporting hundreds of growers and processors across our islands. The global floriculture market is becoming increasingly competitive, and we must support and empower our local growers. We also must ensure that our unique flora is protected from invasive species, diseases, and other threats. Our legislation will create opportunities for Hawaii to lead the nation in floriculture research and development now, and for years to come,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
“The floriculture and nursery community in Hawaii is an important part of our agriculture industry and serves a global marketplace. The variety and colors of the flowers grown here coupled with the reliable supply created by our hard working growers attracts foreign and domestic customers, helping to showcase Hawaii to the world,” said Rep. Colleen Hanabusa. “We need to support and help diversify our agriculture industry and this bill would help finance important floriculture research. The University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) regularly works with the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association and the State Department of Agriculture on research and programs and it is important to support that type of collaboration in Hawaii and around the country.”
"The Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association (HFNA) appreciates Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's effort to establish a grant program for research and development of disease resistant varieties of tropical flowers and plants. By directing the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to State departments of agriculture for this purpose will allow our industry to be more competitive and resilient in the global marketplace," said Eric Tanouye, Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association president.