Several months ago we reported on CalFlowers’ actions in relation to two proposed bills directly impacting floral markets in California and the nation: CA Assembly Bill 1205 and House Resolution 3019.  Since that time we have actively reached out to 16 members of the California Assembly, 7 members of the California Senate and 24 members of the Cut Flower Caucus in the House of Representatives.  We then followed up with phone calls and conversations with staff members from six Cut Flower Caucus members, and several Assembly and Senate offices.  We even enjoyed the visits to Fun ‘N Sun of staff members from the offices of Assembly Member Limón, State Senator Jackson and Congressman Carbajal.

We are expanding our scope to study proposed legislation affecting all aspects of the California floral industry dealing with a range of business issues.  As we move into 2020 we will also explore federal legislation affecting our members across the country.

In light of CalFlowers' recent public position on state and national legislative issues, some might conclude that CalFlowers does not support the Certified American Grown program.  That conclusion would be wrong. 

CalFlowers supports American consumers who wish to select their floral products based on where those flowers and greens are grown. We also support consumers who enjoy flowers regardless of their origin.  For the former group, programs like Certified American Grown and CA Grown are valuable programs. For the latter group, the market should provide a range of convenient choices at affordable prices year-round.

A group of CalFlowers board members and I joined more than 90 retail florists, wholesalers, suppliers and growers from all over the country to walk the halls of Congress last week. Our goal was to speak with our representatives about how they can support a healthy environment for cut flowers in our state.