CARPINTERIA, CA — Mother’s Day is the number one holiday for California’s flower farmers. Yet, due to the impact of long term federal trade policy, the majority of flowers purchased in the U.S. this Mother’s Day will have been imported from South America (most notably Colombia and Ecuador). That’s why consumer and Congressional campaigns are underway to promote California Grown Flowers as America’s Flowers, which account for approximately 80 percent of domestic grown flowers.
The Andean Trade Preference & Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), a trade preference program established for these countries in 1991, has dramatically impacted the ability for domestic flower farmers to compete in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, which has resulted in approximately 75 percent of flowers sold in the United States now being imported from South America. We are holding our own in California, with almost 20 percent of national sales produced by our cut flower farms.
In addition to encouraging consumers to “buy local” by asking for California Grown flowers this Mother’s Day, California’s farmers are asking Congress to intervene on their behalf while the Administration negotiates a permanent free-trade agreement (FTA) with Colombia.
“California has experienced significant farm and production loss as a result of current trade preferences,” explained California Cut Flower Commission CEO/Ambassador Kasey Cronquist. “We can’t afford further erosion of a vital industry that could be lost to this pending trade agreement with Colombia.”
A recent economic impact report, The Flower Factor [http://www.ccfc.org/ccfc-media/economic-impact-report], indicates that California’s cut flower industry has an annual impact of nearly $10.3 billion on the state’s economy. Ninety-two cents of every dollar earned is returned back into the economy, helping to create jobs, fuel other businesses and generate taxes that support local communities.
A group of California flower farmers recently met with members of Congress in Washington DC to raise their concerns about the pending FTA with Colombia. Thanks to the efforts of Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Sam Farr (D-CA) and Brian Bilbray (R-CA) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), both Senators and 39 Members of Congress sent a letter to President Obama reminding him of the adverse impacts facing California’s flower farmers as the Administration prepares the FTA for Congressional approval. They also urged that the Obama Administration support a new transport and logistics system for our cut flower farmers. Likewise, members of Congress have turned to their constituents for similar support this Mother’s Day.
“California flower growers produce the finest flowers in the world, but they’re being squeezed out of the market by producers in foreign countries,” said Rep. Thompson. “Although local growers are working aggressively to remain competitive, we can all do more to promote our state’s flower industry. On Mother’s Day, support your local flower growers by buying fresh-cut California flowers for your loved ones.”
Consumers can show their support for California’s flower farmers by “Liking” the California Grown Flowers Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CaliforniaGrownFlowers). In addition, moms who would like to receive California grown Flowers can visit www.FlowerHintCards.com to send a virtual hint to that special someone.
The following resources are also available upon request:
· Interview with California Cut Flower Commission CEO/Ambassador Kasey Cronquist
· Interview with a California flower farmer
· High-res photography of California-grown bouquets, farms, greenhouses and Hint Cards
· Sets of physical Hint Cards
· More information from the CCFC is available at www.ccfc.org and www.FlowerHintCards.com
Source: California Cut Flower Commission
