Grown Flower Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of buying American-grown flowers. Whether it is celebrating a wedding, a graduation, or sending condolences, flowers have been used to mark significant occasions for thousands of years. I have seen the value this industry adds to our economy and communities during my visits with our hardworking central coast growers.

The cut-flower industry generates thousands of jobs and produces significant economic activity each year through flower farmers, distributors, and florists.

California grows an astonishing 70 percent of American-grown flowers, and yet only a fraction of the flowers sold across the country were grown here. That must change.

Last week, Senator Feinstein and I introduced a resolution to designate July as American-Grown Flower and Foliage Month to encourage consumers to shop local and buy flowers with a certified American-grown label. By passing H. Res. 542, we will honor the beauty this industry brings to our homes year-round and help keep our American-grown flower industry prosperous.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in this effort.

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