Certified American Grown Now Represents Cut Flowers and Greens Nationwide
Photo: Allan Armitage
Certified American Grown, a diverse and unified coalition of small to large cut flower and greens farms across the U.S., has transitioned from a marketing and governmental relations group under the auspices of the California Cut Flower Commission to an independent trade association representing cut flower and greens farmers nationwide.
The reimagined organization is the only floral organization that certifies the origin of the flowers and greens the members grow, process, package, and market. Membership in the refreshed organization is building as growers seek to connect with the past efforts of Certified American Grown to open markets, increase sales of domestic cut flowers and greens, and share the “origin matters” message with consumers.
As a trade association, Certified American Grown will continue its efforts to lobby on behalf of cut flower and greens farmers in Washington, DC, sponsor American Grown Flowers Month in July, host the annual American Grown Field to Vase Dinner Tour, and give consumers confidence in the source of their flowers and greens by providing the only third-party guarantee in the floral industry validating bouquets and bunches purchased were actually homegrown.
“I’m flattered and humbled to have been elected the first chair of the new independent Certified American Grown organization. I’ve enjoyed working with members of the Certified American Grown Council in the past and was thrilled when council members agreed to be part of our new board,” says Rita Jo Shoultz, Owner of Alaska Perfect Peony. “We’ve worked well together in the past, and I’m excited to be collaborating again to continue to promote the importance, value and unmatched beauty of American Grown Flowers and Greens.”
“This will be an innovative group to watch, and I look forward to an exciting future for our new, independent association,” says Dave Pruitt, Administrator of Certified American Grown. “We’re excited to continue to connect people to the amazing flowers and greens grown right here in the U.S. and to grow consumers’ bond to a product that connects and brings joy to so many.”
Cut flower and greens farmers, industry vendors, and potential contributors for Certified American Grown’s initiatives can reach out to Anna Kalins for more information on the reimagined organization.
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