The Society of American Florists this week continued its push in Washington to ensure that industry growers receive a portion of the $9.5 billion allocated in the March 27 Coronavirus Stimulus Package.

The money is earmarked to support specialty crops, livestock, dairy and producers supplying to local markets, and SAF has been working with other groups, including the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, CalFlowers, Certified American Grown Flowers, and the Produce Marketing Association, to advocate for the floral industry.

“Working closely with USDA, SAF is making the case that domestic floriculture production needs to be supported to overcome the existential threat to the industry brought on by COVID-19,” explained SAF’s Senior Lobbyist Joe Bischoff, Ph.D. “We are hopeful for a positive outcome for the floral industry in this first round of aid, and we will continue to advocate for floriculture in the subsequent rounds that are expected.”

In recent weeks, SAF has sent letters to growers and key decision makers on Capitol Hill, including Secretary of Agriculture Sunny Perdue. SAF also worked with Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) to circulate a “Dear Colleague” letter among members of Congress in support of floriculture receiving USDA aid that was then sent to Secretary Purdue. Thirteen members of Congress, including the co-chairs of the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus, signed the letter.

SAF anticipates that USDA will announce the products that will receive funding, along with their respective allocations, very soon. Look for more updates from SAF as this issue continues to evolve.

Katie Butler is the senior vice president of the Society of American Florists.