Flower growers in Carpinteria, the biggest flower-producing region in the state, are working together to try to keep up as their foreign rivals grow more and more competitive.
California’s multimillion-dollar cut flower industry is being threatened by federal trade policies that provide subsidies to foreign flower growers, particularly those in Bogota, Colombia, according to a news release from Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara. But while the number of California flower farms is shrinking rapidly because of federal policies and the stagnant economy, almost all of the growers in Carpinteria are still in business.
“The Central Coast’s flower growers play an important role in our local economy,” said Capps, who spoke at the kick-off event for the annual Carpinteria Greenhouse & Nursery Tour on April 13. “Our local flower growers exemplify the American spirit, working tirelessly to out-think and out-innovate their competitors. I am proud to support these valued local businesses, and their efforts to stay competitive in the global marketplace.”
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