The powerful Senate Appropriations Committee has signaled its support for two core issues backed by the Society of American Florists: increased funding — and an expanded reach — for the Floriculture Crops Report and stable funding levels for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI).
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2020 Agriculture Appropriations Bill on Sept 19.
“The Senate bill contains language specific to the floral industry, including a recommended $500,000 increase for USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service to complete the Floriculture Crops Report and to include Alaska in its overview — an addition this year that reflects SAF member input and one that will help ensure a more comprehensive final report,” said Drew Gruenburg, SAF’s chief operating officer. “The committee’s language also emphasizes the economic importance of the floriculture and nursery sector and the industry’s need for continued innovation while committing to funding levels on par with 2019 for FNRI. These are both significant, positive signs for the industry.”
Read more at the Society of American Florists (Mary Westbrook)