SLOW FLOWERS Podcast: American Flowers (and Flower Farmers) Go to Washington (Episode 132)

Summary:      Two weeks ago, I joined 17 of America's flower farmers in the fifth annual delegation to bring the story of our farmers and flowers to our elected officials in Washington, D.C. Last year, the delegation of California flower farmers who started this event reached out to their fellow farmers in other states to join them. That gesture was repeated this year - and it was my honor to be part of the delegation of flower farmers from California, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Maryland and Virginia.  We took D.C. by storm, propelled by the monumental news that the White House featured American grown flowers at the Feb. 11th State Dinner with the President of France. That show of support from the Administration, which elevated American flowers to their rightful place alongside American food and American wine in an important public ceremony for our nation, was super encouraging. One highlight was meeting and hearing from former USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, who has been a huge champion for American grown flowers and flower farmers. She is moving on to do some other exciting things in the world of sustainable agriculture, but I hope to feature a Podcast interview with her in the future, so you can hear her story.  The good news just continued on February 27th, when California Congresswoman Lois Capps and California Congressman Duncan Hunter joined together to announce the formation of the bipartisan Congressional Cut Flower Caucus. Along with Lane DeVries, a commissioner and immediate past chair of the CCFC, and a flower farmer based in Arcata, Calif., and Diane Szukovathy, president of the SWGMC and co-owner of Jello Mold Farm in Mt Vernon, Wash., I was asked to speak at the Press Conference. Our panel was moderated by Kasey Cronquist, CEO/Ambassador of the CCFC and the instigator of the DC Fly-ins that allow American flower farmers to tell their stories to their elected representatives. I was given permission to record the press conference, which you will hear in this Podcast. Below, I have transcribed some of the key "sound bites" from this event so you can get a flavor for what was said: "What makes me really, really happy to do this is one major thing that I've pushed for along with a few of my Republican colleagues and actually more of my Democrat colleagues and that's simply 'Made in America.' It's like food, and clothes and the hammer you buy at Home Depot. If you buy American made, then you're not just helping out the economy, you're employing your neighbor, your family, friends (and the) people you go to church with. "[The Caucus message:] Don't buy the South American flowers; buy the American flowers. I think once people see that then they will." --Congressman Duncan Hunter  "It's very clear to me that (American flower farmers) don't want a handout. They just want a fair chance to compete. It's a very compelling story that has inspired me to create this Caucus because we want to make sure that American grown stays alive and well. We're going to organize educational briefings, publicity events, other activities for members of Congress and staff. And of course, we'll be surrounded by flowers wherever we do this so there will be a visual impact -- olfactory, as well. The benefits of a vibrant American flower industry reach and touch every corner of our nation. It's the core message of the Cut Flower Caucus and we're excited to get to work." --Congresswoman Lois Capps  " . . . increasing demand for local flowers has reinvigorated our industry and it provides hope and future for the sustainability of the family farms in our industry. Just two weeks ago, the White House actually featured domestically grown flowers for the first time during a State Dinner. And it is our hope, with the help of the Flower Caucus, that going forward we can  make this a commonplace (practice)." --Lane DeVries, The Sun Valley Group/California Cut Flower Commission