Sullivan, Feinstein, Padilla Introduce Resolution in Support of U.S. Flower and Foliage Industry

07.26.21

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) today introduced a resolution designating July as 'American Grown Flower and Foliage Month' and encouraging Americans to buy domestically-grown flowers and foliage.

'Innovative and hard-working Alaskans have established a world-class flower industry in our great state thanks in part to Alaska's moderate weather, cool soil conditions, and long and sunny summer days,' said Senator Sullivan. 'Alaska's beautiful, saturated blooms are some of the most sought-after in the world for weddings and events-with the added benefit of being available well after the traditional growing season has ended in other parts of the country. During the month of July, we celebrate American Grown Flower Month and all of the Americans who bring them to us, including the hundreds of local, family-owned growers in Alaska!'

'The American flower and foliage industry consists of thousands of small businesses, responsible for tens of thousands of jobs. I'm happy to show support for the more than 16,000 floral businesses across our country with this resolution designating July as 'American Grown Flower and Foliage Month,'' said Senator Feinstein. 'Whether you're buying flowers for a special occasion or simply as a sign of affection, I encourage everyone to look for the Certified American Grown logo before you purchase.'

'California alone supplies over 75 percent of all American-grown cut flowers in the United States,' said Senator Padilla. 'As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it's critical we support our local businesses and growers. This important resolution recognizes July as 'American Grown Flower Month' and encourages people to buy 'Certified American Grown' flowers to support farmers and small businesses in California and across the country.'

Full text of the resolution is available here and below:

Title: Expressing support for the designation of July 2021 as ``American Grown Flower and Foliage Month''.

Whereas cut flower and foliage 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 foliage grown in the United States to bring beauty to important events and express affection for loved ones;

Whereas consumers spend over $35,000,000,000 each year on floral products, including cut flowers, garden plants, bedding, and indoor plants;

Whereas, each year, an increasing number of households in the United States purchase fresh cut flowers and foliage from more than 16,000 florists and floral establishments;

Whereas the annual per capita spending on floral products by consumers in the United States is almost $108;

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 and foliage whenever possible, yet a majority of domestic consumers do not know where the flowers and foliage they purchase are grown;

Whereas, in response to increased demand, the 'Certified American Grown' logo was created in July 2014 in order to educate and empower consumers to purchase flowers and foliage from domestic producers;

Whereas millions of stems of domestically grown flowers and foliage are now 'Certified American Grown';

Whereas domestic flower and foliage farmers produce thousands of varieties of flowers and foliage across the United States, such as peonies in Alaska, Gerbera daisies in California, lupines in Maine, tulips in Washington, lilies in Oregon, larkspur in Texas, and leatherleaf in Florida;

Whereas the top flower and foliage varieties with the highest production in the United States are tulips, Gerbera daisies, lilies, gladiolas, roses, and leatherleaf;

Whereas people in every State have access to domestically grown flowers and foliage, yet only 20 percent of flowers and foliage sold in the United States is domestically grown;

Whereas the domestic cut flower and foliage industry-

(1) creates a substantial economic impact daily; and

(2) supports hundreds of growers, thousands of small businesses, and tens of thousands of jobs in the United States;

Whereas most domestic cut flowers and foliage are sold in the United States within 24 to 48 hours after harvest and last longer than flowers shipped longer distances;

Whereas flowers and foliage grown domestically enhance the ability of the people of the United States to festively celebrate weddings and births and honor those who have passed;

Whereas flower and foliage giving has been a holiday tradition in the United States for generations;

Whereas flowers and foliage speak to the beauty of motherhood on Mother's Day and to the spirit of love on Valentine's Day;

Whereas flowers and foliage are an essential part of other holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa;

Whereas flowers and foliage help commemorate the service and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces on Memorial Day and Veterans Day; and

Whereas the Senate encourages the cultivation of flowers and foliage in the United States by domestic flower and foliage farmers: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate-

(1) supports the designation of July 2021 as 'American Grown Flower and Foliage Month';

(2) recognizes that purchasing flowers and foliage grown in the United States supports the farmers, small businesses, jobs, and economy of the United States;

(3) recognizes that growing flowers and foliage in the United States is a vital part of the agricultural industry of the United States;

(4) recognizes that cultivating flowers and foliage domestically enhances the ability of the people of the United States to festively celebrate holidays and special occasions; and

(5) urges all people of the United States to proactively showcase flowers and foliage grown in the United States in order to show support for-

(A) the flower and foliage farmers, processors, and distributors in the United States; and

(B) the agricultural industry of the United States overall.

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