SAF’s annual Congressional Action Days, April 13-14, is an all-virtual affair this year — but the advocacy will have real-world impact on floral research funding, access to fresh product, minimum wage and the agriculture workforce.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Congressional offices remain closed to the public. A shift to the virtual meeting format gives SAF members the opportunity to participate in the event without the barriers of travel cost and time away from their businesses. Event registration is free for SAF members.
What is CAD?
SAF’s Congressional Action Days is celebrating its 41st year in 2021. Congressional Action Days is an opportunity for members of the floriculture industry to show Capitol Hill that floriculture matters, and we vote. In past Congressional Action Days, SAF members successfully increased funding and expanded reach for the Floriculture Crops Report, maintained funding levels for the Floriculture and Nursey Research Initiative, opposed a $15/hour federal minimum wage, and vocalized the need for immigration reform.
By the Numbers
- 130 Congressional appointments in 2019
- 28 states represented in 2019
“Congressional Action Days is a time-honored and important event for our industry,” said Kate Penn, SAF CEO. “There’s nothing to replace the energy and excitement of being on Capitol Hill. That’s not an option this year – but we’re thrilled that this virtual format will enable members who haven’t been a part of SAF’s advocacy efforts first-hand to do so this year.”
SAF Senior Lobbyist Joe Bischoff, Ph.D. says the need for enhanced engagement is greater than ever. “In a year where floriculture and small businesses have been hit so hard by the pandemic, we need to take the opportunity to tell our story to the Hill and federal agencies. We need our industry to have a very big voice.”
The virtual format also necessitates an advocacy strategy shift: Rather than matching participants up with meetings in each of their congressional offices — which results in well over 100 total meetings — SAF will schedule meetings with a laser-like focus on members of Congress who have influence over SAF’s issues and who have been supportive of the floriculture industry. SAF also will plan meetings with relevant federal agency staff, including important players at USTR, USDA and the EPA — something that logistics and time prohibits during an in-person CAD.
“We plan to take advantage of the virtual setting to leverage our meetings to make the most impact — with the members and staff who can directly impact and move our issues forward,” said Bischoff.
Mark your calendar for April 13-14 and look for more details coming soon from SAF on how to sign up to share your story with key lawmakers and staff.
Katie Butler is the senior vice president of the Society of American Florists.
