FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2011

FROM: Kasey Cronquist, CEO/Ambassador, California Cut Flower Commission

RE: Colombia FTA Implementing Bill Amendment Sponsored by

Congressman Mike Thompson to Fund a National Floral Transportation and Logistics Center

MEDIA STATEMENT

“California cut flower farmers are very pleased that Congressman Thompson introduced an amendment today to provide one-time seed money for a new national transportation and logistics center for California and US cut flower shipments.  This is further proof that Congressman Thompson is a leader on agricultural and trade issues for our entire state.

Our research has shown that a new floral shipping center should be located in California, since the Golden State provides 80 percent of US cut flowers. The goal is to provide the economy of scale to US flower farmers that will reduce cost of shipment by 20-40 percent and partially level the playing field with Colombian flower producers.

The US flower industry is the most adversely impacted sector by free trade with Colombia.  Since the beginning of the Andean trade preferences in 1991, the Colombian government has provided grants and subsidies worth hundreds of millions to its industry.  And, US aid has provided tens of millions of dollars to the Colombian industry as well.

California cut flower family farmers are independent, creative entrepreneurs.  They have some the most sustainable flower farming practices in the world.   We are grateful that Congressman Thompson as well as other state champions such as, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Representatives Lois Capps, Sam Farr, Darrell Issa, and Brian Bilbray understand that our flower farming families pump more than $10 billion into the California and national economy each year.  Overall, more than two-thirds of the California Congressional delegation, on a bipartisan basis, supported this measure in a recent letter.

We are very hopeful that Congressman Thompson has started a process that will result in a $15 million program that will enable US flower farmers to support the US- Colombia FTA.

CCFC urges that Ways and Means Members support this vital legislation when it comes to a vote at Committee today.”

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