Washington— On July 2nd the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced 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.

American consumers spend $27 billion on floral products each year. While the majority of Americans would prefer to buy locally grown flowers, only 20 percent of the flowers sold in the United States are grown domestically.

“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.”

Full text of the resolution follows:

Expressing support for the designation of July 2020 as “American Grown Flower Month”

Whereas cut flower growers in the United States are hard-working, dedicated individuals who bring beauty, economic stimulus, and pride to their communities and the United States;

Whereas the people of the United States have a long history of using flowers and greens grown in the United States to bring beauty to important events and express affection for loved ones;

Whereas consumers spend almost $27,000,000,000 each year on floral products, including cut flowers, garden plants, bedding, and indoor plants;

Whereas, each year, nearly 30 percent of households in the United States purchase fresh cut flowers and greens from more than 16,000 florists and floral establishments;

Whereas the people of the United States increasingly want to support domestically produced foods and agricultural products and would prefer to buy locally grown flowers whenever possible, yet a majority of domestic consumers do not know where the flowers they purchase are grown;

Whereas, in response to increased demand, the “Certified American Grown Flowers” logo was created in July 2014 in order to educate and empower consumers to purchase flowers from domestic producers;Whereas, as of April 2017, millions of stems of domestically grown flowers are now “Certified American Grown”;Whereas domestic flower farmers produce thousands of varieties of flowers across the United States, such as peonies in Alaska, Gerbera daisies in California, lupines in […]