US: Farmers encouraging farmers to go to Washington

Last year’s delegation was one of California Cut Flower Commission's (CCFC) largest, if not the largest group of farmers that took to Washington, D.C. "It was a great group and their advocacy made a difference", says Kasey Cronquist, CEO of CCFC on americasflowers.org.

From February 28 to March 2, 2017 flower farmers from around the country will unite in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the future of flower farming in the United States. Click here to register for flower farmer fly-in to Washington, D.C.

"Over the year’s, flower farmers across the country have worked together to establish a dedicated group of representatives in the House who acknowledge their care and support for America’s flower farmers through their membership in the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus. We’ve also helped to significantly raise the profile on flower farmer issues and opportunities to the highest levels at U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Julia Ortiz and Kasey Cronquist at the annual reception in Washington, D.C.

Last year, Julia Ortiz of Joseph & Sons in Santa Paula, California, attended the trip. "She was very impressed, and shared that the only disappointment she felt was that the delegation of flower farmers wasn’t larger. She went on to say she believed more farmers needed to see this effort firsthand to understand the work that’s going on and how important it is to the farms."

Juan Carlos Aguilar of Dramm & Echter with Bruce Brady of Mellano & Co.

So, how did Kasey Cronquist respond?
"I asked her to invite more farmers to be a part of this annual effort. Together, we recorded this quick video in the halls of Congress. I also grabbed Juan Carlos Aguilar of Dramm & Echter in Encinitas, California, and asked that he share his “first timer” perspective of the trip. Bottom line, they both want to encourage more farmers from throughout the U.S. to join them and the effort underway for American Grown Flowers in Washington, D.C."

For more information:
americasflowers.org