During a 45-minute tour of Sakata Seed America in Salinas, California, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (far right) learned more about the floral industry and discussed important issues with people from his district, including Jeff Zischke, Sakata Seed’s research and development director (far left); Jane DeMarchi, vice president of government and regulatory affairs at the American Seed Trade Association; and Dr. Joe Bischoff of Cornerstone Government Affairs.
Thanks to two Society of American Florists members, the floral industry had a seat at the table for an important discussion with an influential California congressman on crop protection, immigration, and much more.
The wide-ranging discussion with Rep. Jimmy Panetta (R-20) took place August 12 and was hosted by Sakata Seed America in Salinas, California. SAF Growers Council members Jamie Kitz, of Sakata, and Janet Louie of Green Valley Floral, also in Salinas, took part in the discussion, which included 10 other citizens and business owners from the congressman’s district.
At a reception, the substantive discussion focused on biotechnology, the Farm Bill, immigration, crop protection and offshore production. During the event, Panetta participated in a 45-minute tour of Sakata’s greenhouses and labs. For her part, Kitz said she found the visit “inspiring.”
“The event provided a key opportunity to share the Sakata Seed breeding story to include sharing the technology involved and why there is such a need for further horticulture research to meet the changing demands of our industry,” she explained. “Congressman Panetta was very interested in both the increased focus on mechanization as well the discussion involving the economic impact the potential policy changes will have /are having on our agriculture industry, and in particular the Salinas Valley growers for both vegetables and flowers.”
Shawn McBurney, SAF’s senior director of government relations, said events such as this are “a powerful way for floral industry members to connect with lawmakers.
“Small gatherings and business tours also are an opportunity to discuss important issues and deepen legislators’ understanding of how policies and laws affect daily operations at floral industry businesses,” he said.
