US (CA): Miracle-Gro float to be certified in Tournament of Roses

Miracle-Gro, the Official Rose and Flower Care Company and the Presenting Sponsor for Post Parade: A Showcase of Floats Presented by Miracle-Gro, has committed to using California Grown flowers and foliage for over 85 percent of its float floral decor. This marks the Tournament's first major brand sponsor with a float to become certified "CA GROWN". The California Grown Certification is a volunteer program that recognizes parade floats and entries built with over 85 percent of cut flowers and greens from the Golden State.

"The parade was founded as a way to celebrate California's beauty, so it just made sense for Miracle-Gro to feature California grown flowers on our float this year," said John Sass, Vice President and General Manager of Miracle-Gro. "They not only remind us of the Parade's origins, it puts a focus on sustainable flowers that inspire consumers to dig in and discover their own piece of Earth."

On December 31, the Buy California Marketing Committee (BCMA) and the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC) will recognize Cal Poly Universities for the fifth year in a row and FTD, Inc., for the second year in a row. This will be the first time for Miracle-Gro and the California Milk Advisory Board to be recognized for their commitment to local California Grown flowers.

"We are thrilled to have a leader like Miracle-Gro recognize the importance of supporting locally grown flowers and the people who grow them. Their support and participation in the California Grown certification program is something our farmers certainly appreciate," said Kasey Cronquist, CEO and Ambassador for the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC), which represents the state's flower farmers. "We have seen first-hand the generous contributions Miracle-Gro has made to our local communities, through their support of our farms and their work improving local green spaces, community centers and schools. We are very proud that our flowers will be used on their Tournament of Roses float in 2016."

California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross will travel to Pasadena to officiate the certification ceremonies on December 31st.

For more information:
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