The U.S. House and Senate have jointly introduced a bipartisan resolution to declare July “American Grown Flowers Month.” The resolution was put forth by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), along with Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) and colleagues who are part of the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus.
The resolution notes that the chambers recognize: that purchasing flowers grown in the United States supports the farmers, small businesses, jobs and the U.S. economy; that growing flowers and greens in the United States is a vital part of the U.S. ag industry; and urges “all people of the United States to proactively showcase flowers and greens grown in the United States in order to show support for our flower farmers, processors and distributors as well as agriculture in the United States overall.”
Alaska’s peony farmers meet with Senator Dan Sullivan, one of the original co-sponsors of the resolution. Photo by Nony Park of Ken Pak Photography.
American consumers spend almost $27 billion on floral products each year. While the majority of consumers would prefer to buy homegrown flowers, only 20 percent of the flowers sold here were grown in the United States.
Senator Dianne Feinstein took time with flower farmers in February 2019 during the American Grown Flowers Fly-In. Photo by Nony Park of Ken Pak Photography.
“Buying American-grown flowers is one of the best ways to support local farmers,” said Sen. Feinstein. “California grows nearly 75 percent of American-grown cut flowers. Unfortunately, only one in five flowers sold in the United States today was grown here. Our resolution will encourage consumers to look for the ‘Certified American Grown’ label when buying flowers.”
Rep. Salud Carbajal, a stalwart advocate of America’s flower farms, is seen here meeting with farmers in February. Photo by Nony Park of Ken Pak Photography.
Rep. Carbajal added: “I have seen firsthand the value the grown flower industry adds to our economy and communities during my visits with our Central Coast growers. I am committed to recognizing their contribution by designating July as American Grown Flower Month, in order to celebrate the beauty this industry brings to our homes and celebrations year-round.”
Certified American Grown Administrator Kasey Cronquist noted the importance of the national designation recognizing the value and importance of homegrown flowers, and the hard work of America’s flower-farming families.
Retailers celebrate American Grown Flowers Month as a way to promote homegrown flowers with their customers. Taken at Safeway on 19th Street in Sacramento.
“Officially designating July American Grown Flowers Month opens the door for florists, wholesalers and retailers to continue to discuss the virtues of promoting and marketing homegrown flowers – a point that’s resonating with consumers who understand that origin matters when it comes to the flowers they bring home.”
For more information:
AmericanGrownFlowers.org/AGFM