On March 20-21, floral pros from around the country will educate a new Congress on these industry priorities during the Society of American Florists’ Congressional Action Days — and experience an insider’s view of Washington D.C. while doing it.
“Each year, Congressional Action Days brings something new — meeting new [legislators], learning about different aspects of the industry and the new issues that are brought to light,” says Jodi McShan, AAF, of McShan Florist in Dallas. “It is great to see how what we are asking for progresses each year, and how our actions really help Congress and their staffs understand where we are coming from. It helps them view the issues in a new light.”
The Issues — and SAF’s ‘Asks’
Maintain the new funding level for the Floriculture Nursery & Research Initiative (FNRI). Last December, Congress passed the FY-2023 spending bills and included a $1 million increase for FNRI — a funding increase SAF members asked for during last year’s CAD. This vital Agricultural Research Service (ARS-USDA) program works to address pest and disease problems, tackle the challenges of climate change and enhance the efficiency of production practices.
This year, the increased funding for FNRI will enable USDA and its university partners to pursue Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies to aid floriculture producers with pest and disease scouting, monitor abiotic stresses, and even apply crop production and protection products.
Read more at safnow.org