Floor SpeechCeremonial2018-07-25

AMERICAN GROWN FLOWER MONTH

TradeAgriculture

Context

On 2018-07-25, Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) delivered a floor speech titled "AMERICAN GROWN FLOWER MONTH" in the House. The speech addressed trade policy and also covered agriculture.

Full Text

AMERICAN GROWN FLOWER MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 164 Issue 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018) [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)] [House] [Page H7672] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] AMERICAN GROWN FLOWER MONTH (Ms. PINGREE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the House Cut Flower Caucus, I rise today in recognition of July as American Grown Flower Month. Every year, U.S. consumers spend billions of dollars on cut flowers, but I think most would be surprised to hear that just 20 percent of these flowers are grown in the United States. The vast majority are imported from Colombia and other countries in South America and Africa. The U.S.-grown flower industry has shrunk considerably in the last 30 years, but recently it has had a resurgence. As consumers have bought more food from local farmers, they have begun to ask where their flowers come from as well. The growth in consumer interest has been an opportunity for many farmers I represent to diversify and boost their income. For example, Broadturn Farm in my district has had so much success selling flowers that it now has four acres under cultivation and even offers a flower Consumer Supported Agriculture, or CSA, share. So, this month, I ask my fellow consumers to ask themselves an important question before their next flower purchase: What better way to celebrate a wedding, offer condolences, or show your appreciation than with flowers that are not only beautiful but also meaningful in their connection to the places where they grow and the people who grow them. ____________________

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AMERICAN GROWN FLOWER MONTH Congressional Record, Volume 164 Issue 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018) [Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)] [House] [Page H7672] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] AMERICAN GROWN FLOWER MONTH (Ms. PINGREE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the House Cut Flower Caucus, I rise today in recognition of July as American Grown Flower Month. Every year, U.S. consumers spend billions of dollars on cut flowers, but I think most would be surprised to hear that just 20 percent of these flowers are grown in the United States. The vast majority are imported from Colombia and other countries in South America and Africa. The U.S.-grown flower industry has shrunk considerably in the last 30 years, but recently it has had a resurgence. As consumers have bought more food from local farmers, they have begun to ask where their flowers come from as well. The growth in consumer interest has been an opportunity for many farmers I represent to diversify and boost their income. For example, Broadturn Farm in my district has had so much success selling flowers that it now has four acres under cultivation and even offers a flower Consumer Supported Agriculture, or CSA, share. So, this month, I ask my fellow consumers to ask themselves an important question before their next flower purchase: What better way to celebrate a wedding, offer condolences, or show your appreciation than with flowers that are not only beautiful but also meaningful in their connection to the places where they grow and the people who grow them. ____________________