Senate Designates July
‘American Grown Flowers Month’
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate passed a
bipartisan resolution
introduced yesterday by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) designating July as “American Grown Flower Month” and encouraging consumers to buy “Certified American Grown” flowers.
The resolution notes that the U.S. Senate recognizes: 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.”
American consumers spend almost $27 billion per year 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.
“During this time of social distancing, the cut flower industry has helped families and friends stay connected,” Sen. Feinstein said. “From the growers in the fields to the florists and delivery drivers, this industry is supporting American jobs during these tough economic times. Our resolution will encourage more people to look for the ‘Certified American Grown’ label so they can support local businesses and farmers as we continue to rebuild our economy.”
“Supporting the cut flower industry lifts up local businesses in California and across the country,” Senator Harris said. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on our economy, it’s important we encourage people to buy ‘Certified American Grown’ flowers. Our resolution recognizes the importance and value of supporting the American cut flower industry.”
“Alaska’s long summer days, cool soil conditions and moderate weather produce some of the most beautiful and saturated blooms in the world, a hot commodity for weddings and events around the country,” Senator Sullivan said. “During the month of July, we recognize the many small business owners and growers who have cultivated this burgeoning industry and built a strong and innovative economic sector for our state.”
Certified American Grown Administrator Dave Pruitt noted the importance of the national designation recognizing the value and importance of homegrown flowers and greens, and the hard work of America’s flower-farming families.
Officially designating July American Grown Flowers Month opens the door for florists and wholesalers to continue to discuss the virtues of homegrown flowers and greens – a point that’s resonating with consumers who understand that origin matters when it comes to the flowers and greens they bring home.
Certified American Grown farms across the country thank the Senators for the continued support. To learn more about American Grown Flowers Month, visit
AmericanGrownFlowers.org/AGFM
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About Certified American Grown Flowers.
Launched on July 1, 2014, Certified American Grown Flowers represents a unified and diverse coalition of U.S. flower farms, including small and large entities in multiple states across the country. Certified American grown flower farms participate in an independent, third-party supply-chain audit to verify both origin and assembly of the flowers they grow. When it appears on bouquets, bunches and other packaging or store signage, the Certified American Grown Flowers logo gives consumers confidence in the source of their flowers and assures them that the flowers they purchase come from a domestic American flower farm. For more information about Certified American Grown Flowers, visit
www.americangrownflowers.com
.
