Bill Summary
The resolution expresses support for designating July 2025 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month." It highlights the significant contributions of U.S. flower and foliage growers to local economies, community pride, and cultural traditions. The resolution notes the substantial consumer spending on floral products and the increasing public interest in supporting domestically produced items. It emphasizes the importance of the "Certified American Grown" label, which helps consumers identify and choose locally grown flowers. The resolution advocates for recognizing the economic impact of the domestic cut flower and foliage industry, which creates jobs and supports small businesses. It also encourages Americans to purchase and showcase domestically grown flowers and foliage, reinforcing their role in celebrating special occasions and honoring traditions.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the resolution designating July 2025 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month" could affect people:
1. **Economic Impact on Local Communities**: By promoting the purchase of domestically grown flowers and foliage, this resolution could stimulate local economies. Consumers choosing to buy American-grown products would directly support local farmers and small businesses, leading to job creation and economic growth in various regions. This heightened economic activity can enhance community pride and sustainability.
2. **Increased Awareness and Education**: The resolution aims to raise awareness among consumers about the origins of their floral purchases. As more people become educated about the benefits of buying local, they may be more inclined to seek out and support "Certified American Grown" products. This could lead to a shift in consumer behavior, where individuals preferentially choose domestic flowers, fostering a stronger connection to local agriculture and reducing reliance on imported products.
3. **Cultural and Emotional Significance**: Designating a month to celebrate American-grown flowers and foliage reaffirms their role in important life events and traditions. This recognition could encourage more people to incorporate flowers into their celebrations, such as weddings, holidays, and memorials, thereby enhancing cultural practices. It could also foster a sense of community as individuals come together to appreciate and support local agriculture during this designated month.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 616 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 616
Expressing support for the designation of July 2025 as ``American Grown
Flower and Foliage Month''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 29, 2025
Mr. Carbajal (for himself, Mr. Newhouse, Mr. Panetta, Mr. LaMalfa, Ms.
Pingree, and Mr. Hurd of Colorado) submitted the following resolution;
which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of July 2025 as ``American Grown
Flower and Foliage Month''.
Whereas cut flower and foliage growers in the United States are hard-working,
dedicated individuals who bring beauty, economic stimulus, and pride to
their communities and the United States;
Whereas the people of the United States have a long history of using flowers and
foliage grown in the United States to bring beauty to important events
and express affection for loved ones;
Whereas consumers spend over $59,000,000,000 each year on floral products,
including cut flowers, garden plants, bedding, and indoor plants;
Whereas, each year, an increasing number of households in the United States
purchase fresh cut flowers and foliage from more than 16,000 florists
and floral establishments;
Whereas the annual per capita spending on floral products by consumers in the
United States is almost $177;
Whereas the people of the United States increasingly want to support
domestically produced foods and agricultural products and would prefer
to buy locally grown flowers and foliage whenever possible, yet a
majority of domestic consumers do not know where the flowers and foliage
they purchase are grown;
Whereas, in response to increased demand, the ``Certified American Grown'' logo
was created in July 2014 in order to educate and empower consumers to
purchase flowers and foliage from domestic producers;
Whereas millions of stems of domestically grown flowers and foliage are now
``Certified American Grown'';
Whereas domestic flower and foliage farmers produce thousands of varieties of
flowers and foliage across the United States, such as peonies in Alaska,
Gerbera daisies in California, lupines in Maine, tulips in Washington,
lilies in Oregon, larkspur in Texas, and leatherleaf in Florida;
Whereas the top flower and foliage varieties with the highest production in the
United States are tulips, lilies, Gerbera daisies, gladiolas,
leatherleaf, irises, and roses;
Whereas people in every State have access to domestically grown flowers and
foliage, yet only 20 percent of flowers and foliage sold in the United
States is domestically grown;
Whereas the domestic cut flower and foliage industry--
(1) creates a substantial economic impact daily; and
(2) supports hundreds of growers, thousands of small businesses, and
tens of thousands of jobs in the United States;
Whereas most domestic cut flowers and foliage are sold in the United States
within 24 to 48 hours after harvest and last longer than flowers shipped
longer distances;
Whereas flowers and foliage grown domestically enhance the ability of the people
of the United States to festively celebrate weddings and births and
honor those who have passed;
Whereas flower and foliage giving has been a holiday tradition in the United
States for generations;
Whereas flowers and foliage speak to the beauty of motherhood on Mother's Day
and to the spirit of love on Valentine's Day;
Whereas flowers and foliage help commemorate the service and sacrifice of
members of the Armed Forces on Memorial Day and Veterans Day; and
Whereas the Senate encourages the cultivation of flowers and foliage in the
United States by domestic flower and foliage farmers: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the designation of ``American Grown Flower and
Foliage Month'';
(2) recognizes that purchasing flowers and foliage grown in
the United States supports the farmers, small businesses, jobs,
and economy of the United States;
(3) recognizes that growing flowers and foliage in the
United States is a vital part of the agricultural industry of
the United States;
(4) recognizes that cultivating flowers and foliage
domestically enhances the ability of the people of the United
States to festively celebrate holidays and special occasions;
and
(5) urges all people of the United States to proactively
showcase flowers and foliage grown in the United States in
order to show support for--
(A) the flower and foliage farmers, processors, and
distributors in the United States; and
(B) the agricultural industry of the United States
overall.
<all>