Californians already know how to set their tables with local food, such as salmon, avocados, pears and grapes, and now a group of growers is helping Golden State consumers pick the perfect centerpiece: local flowers.

The California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC) recently became a member of the California Grown campaign, which has promoted the importance of buying locally grown agricultural product to Californians since 2002. Through the campaign, all California growers can use  "Californian Grown" labels on sleeves, boxes and marketing materials, as long as 85 percent of their products are grown in the state. At press time, at least 18 California cut flower growers had signed on to the program, which is free to them as part of CCFC's membership in the effort. 

CCFC decided to join the campaign after a recent survey showed 85 percent of California consumers do not know where the flowers they purchase are grown, says Kasey Conquist, CCFC's executive director. At the same time, 55 percent of those surveyed indicated they would buy flowers grown in California if they were given the choice.

"This simple call-to-action reminds consumers to look first for products grown in the Golden State," Conquist says. "In turn, our growers reap the benefits of a statewide campaign that helps to brand their state — California — as the best source for high-quality cut flowers."

Try This:

Reach out to your state's agriculture department to piggyback on promotions.

Want more? Read "Drinking Buds: Texas Florists, Wineries Toast State's Bouquets."

--Kori Kamradt
kkamradt@safnow.org

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