Our CEO, Corrine, attended the 44th Annual SAF Congressional Action Days in Washington, DC. Advocating for the floral industry is vital as many issues impact our industry. This year, the primary concerns addressed on Capital Hill were: Funding for Floriculture Research, Affordable Access to Products, Access to a Stable Agricultural Workforce, and Support for Small Businesses.
The day before the congressional appointments, everyone in attendance was briefed on the presenting issues. Senior Lobbyist Dr. Joe Bischoff provided valuable guidance to those lobbying, explaining how the meetings would unfold. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a role-playing session, giving them a chance to practice and refine their skills.
That evening was filled with valuable networking as attendees connected with growers, wholesalers, florists, and importers to learn more about their businesses. Adding to the lively atmosphere, a touch of St. Patrick's Day cheer brought extra fun!
Corrine organized a fantastic Women in Floriculture meet-up for those in attendance. This inspiring gathering highlighted the incredible momentum women are building in our industry as they break barriers and lead the way in advocacy.
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The following day was dedicated to congressional appointments, where attendees from each state could meet directly with their congressional leaders. During these meetings, they shared personal stories about current issues impacting their businesses, offering valuable insights from the floral industry. Below is a detailed overview of the key issues addressed and the steps we are taking to advocate for our industry:
1. Funding for Floriculture Research
The Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI) is a vital program under the Agricultural Research Service (ARS-USDA) that delivers solutions to the horticulture industry by addressing pest and disease problems, tackling challenges posed by changing weather patterns, and enhancing the efficiency of production practices. Despite its importance, FNRI has not seen a funding increase since Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. To maintain the program's effectiveness, SAF urges Congress to submit a Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations request to the Agriculture Subcommittee to maintain funding for FNRI at the Fiscal Year 2024 level.
2. Affordable Access to Products
The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), implemented nearly five decades ago, promotes opportunities for economically disadvantaged countries and supports U.S. businesses reliant on imported products. The floral industry benefits significantly from duty-free imports of grower inputs and cut flowers through trade agreements and GSP. However, GSP authorization lapsed on December 31, 2020, adding significant costs to businesses already coping with inflationary pressures. SAF emphasizes the need for Congress to reauthorize GSP, provide retroactive reimbursements, modernize the GSP's competitive needs limitation, and avoid tariffs on imported floral products to ensure the industry's viability.
3. Access to a Stable Agricultural Workforce
Labor shortages continue to be a pressing issue for the agricultural sector, including the floral industry. A stable and secure workforce is essential for maintaining production levels and meeting market demands. SAF advocates for legislative solutions to address the labor crisis, ensuring that the floral industry has access to the workforce necessary to sustain its operations and contribute to the broader economy.
4. Support for Small Businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of the floral industry, yet they often face challenges related to regulations, taxes, and access to resources. SAF calls on legislators to support policies that alleviate these burdens, enabling small floral businesses to thrive. This includes advocating for fair tax policies, reasonable regulations, and programs that provide financial assistance and resources tailored to the unique needs of small businesses in the floral sector.
Addressing these issues is crucial for the continued success and growth of the floral industry. By taking proactive steps to support research funding, ensure affordable access to products, secure a stable workforce, and bolster small businesses, policymakers can help cultivate a thriving environment for all sectors of the floral industry.
We encourage everyone in the floral industry to consider attending next year's SAF Congressional Action Days. Your voice matters, and being part of this event is an invaluable opportunity to connect with policymakers and advocate for the needs of our industry. To stay informed about upcoming events and ongoing advocacy efforts, be sure to follow the Society of American Florists (SAF) for the latest updates.