US (CA): Rose Parade festivities off to a flying start
California Secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross officiated the special certification ceremonies spearheaded by the Buy California Marketing Agreement (BCMA) and the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC). The ceremony recognized Cal Poly Universities for the sixth year in a row, FTD for the third year and Miracle-Gro and Real California Milk for the second year. Last year, all three certified floats were recognized by the Tournament of Roses Parade as award-winning designs.
"The Tournament of Roses Parade really brings the beauty of agriculture to life. We are thrilled that Miracle-Gro, Cal Poly Universities, FTD and Real California Milk have chosen to adorn their floats with flowers from our state's farmers," Secretary Ross said.
The Rose Parade originated in 1889 to showcase the bounty of what is grown in California during a time of year when much of the country is covered in snow. The California Grown Certification Program recognizes parade floats and entries decorated with more than 85 percent of cut flowers and greens from the Golden State.
"We are happy to continue our support for California's farmers through the California Grown certification program," said John Sass, vice president and general manager of Miracle-Gro. "For our theme, 'Everything's Coming Up Roses,' we knew we could rely on the state's flower farmers to supply beautiful, fresh roses that epitomize America's national flower."
For more information:
www.ccfc.org
www.californiagrown.org