RECOGNIZING THE GRAFE FAMILY

On 2026-10-06, Representative Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL-28) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE GRAFE FAMILY" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE GRAFE FAMILY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 158 (Tuesday, October 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 158 (Tuesday, October 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1038] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE GRAFE FAMILY ______ HON. CARLOS A. GIMENEZ of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Mr. GIMENEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Grafe family and their remarkable legacy of farming, perseverance, and dedication to South Florida agriculture. The Grafe family's farming tradition began in 1890, when Emil Moritz Grafe immigrated from Germany through Ellis Island and began farming on Staten Island, New York. As the country changed, so did the family. In 1919, they moved south and purchased land in Miami before establishing a home and flower farm in South Dade in 1925. For generations, the Grafe family continued to grow and adapt, farming vegetables and fruit before building a successful cut-flower business. In 1975, Herbert Grafe III established Grafe's Cut Flowers, eventually growing nearly 30 acres of flowers that were sold throughout Miami and shipped across the country. After increased competition from imported flowers forced the business to close in 1998, Herbert continued his agricultural career at Knaus Berry Farm until his retirement in 2024. Today, he carries on the family tradition by tending his lychee grove. For more than 130 years, the Grafe family has remained rooted in agriculture. Their story represents the hard work, resilience, and pioneering spirit that have helped shape South Dade and our agricultural community. It is my privilege to recognize the Grafe family and honor their generations of contributions to South Florida agriculture. ____________________