Alaska Congressman Don Young , a member of the Congressional Cut Flowers Caucus , has infix legislation call for the federal government to purchase cut heyday and greens grown in the U.S. for use in its facilities . The lawmaking , advert to as the “ American Grown Act , ” admit billhook supporter support from all six co - professorship of the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus : Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler ( R - WA ) , Rep. Salud Carbjal ( D - CA ) , Rep. Ducan Hunter ( R - CA ) , Rep. Jimmy Panetta ( D - CA ) , Rep. Chellie Pingree ( D - ME ) and Rep. Ted Yoho ( R - FL ) .
Congressman Don Young ( R - AK ) speaks with Alaskan flower husbandman David Russell in Washington , D.C. Photo by Nony Park of Ken Pak Photography .
In proposing the legislation , Young allege requiring the federal governing to use American Grown Flowers and Greens to decorate its facility show up support for American farmers and raise awareness of their beautiful products . Today imports , primarily from Colombia and Ecuador , make up more or less 80 % of flower sold in the U.S.
Congressman Young reviewing production information and market place share data point on American Grown Flowers and Greens in the United States . Photo by Nony Park of Ken Pak Photography .
Government subsidy programs such as USAID , combined with favorable federal trade policy establish in the former ‘ ninety to staunch drug trafficking and boost cut prime production in these regions , have had a unmediated and negative impact on American flower - raise families .
The bipartisan legislation has received ready organizational endorsements from Certified American Grown , the Alaskan Peonies Growers Association , AmericanHort , California Farm Bureau Federation , Santa Barbara County Flower and Nursery Growers ’ Association , California State Floral Association and the California Cut Flower Commission ( CCFC ) .
“ It seems like a no - brainer that the United States should be pose American Farmer first by prefer not to import cut flowers , ” Young said . “ Unfortunately for the Union governing , this is not the case . American husbandman are hugely disadvantaged by the foreign growers that are subject to fewer environmental regulations and labor standard , and it is prison term Congress does something to help our nation ’s farmers compete . set our farmers first go at the top , and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislating . I further my friends on both sides of the aisle to do right by the flower and greens Farmer in their district and sign on to this important exertion . ”
Benno Dobbe , a blossom farmer in Washington DoS and California counselor on behalf of America ’s flower farming families in Washington , D.C. each year . Photo by Nony Park of Ken Pak Photography .
“ This is great news program for U.S. cut flower farmers because the Federal Reserve note will bring special attention to the beautiful flowers and greenness we arise , ” said Benno Dobbe , a bloom farmer with farm in Washington State and California . “ It will definitely highlight our products and is an outstanding PR chance for flower husbandman . ”
American flower Fannie Farmer and evidence American Grown also weighed in :
“ Once again , Congressman Young ’s support and leading to raise awareness and advocate for our Alaskan flower farmers is greatly appreciate , ” enunciate Alaskan peony Fannie Farmer Rita Jo Shoultz of Homer , Alaska , and a penis of the Certified American Grown Council . “ The American Grown Act is something that makes signified and is a howling way to recognise and support our hard - working , flower - farming family across America . ”
Alaskan Flower Farmer Rita Jo Shoultz with Congressman Don Young . Photo by Nony Park of Ken Pak Photography .
“ I ’m certain I speak for flower farmers from all 50 state who are very excited to see this kind of support for America ’s flower Farmer amount from Washington , D.C. , and I hope this bill helps to promote the cognizance of the trade issues our farm go on to face , ” said June VanWingerden , chair of the CCFC and a bloom husbandman in Carpinteria , California .
“ Most American taxpayers believably assume that the flowers they see displayed at our national cemeteries , Union buildings and regime consequence were grown here in the United States , ” state Certified American Grown Administrator Kasey Cronquist . “ The American Grown Act will help ascertain that flowers purchased by our Union government for events , social function and day - to - Clarence Day display are grow and harvested by hardworking Americans . ”
More information on the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus can be found atcarbajal.house.gov/district/congressional-cut-flower-caucus.htm
More information about the American Grown Act can be atbit.ly/HR3019
For more info : American Grown Flowers916.441.1701[email protected]www.americangrownflowers.org
