After 30 years of advancing the state’s cut flower industry and advocating for
flower and foliage farmers, the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC) is saying goodbye. And while
we’re
sad to see the organization come to an end, we’re excited to share that many of our programs, and
our
vision, will go forward through the reimagined nonprofit membership organization Certified American Grown (CAG).
Over the years, CCFC earned a reputation for sharing the beauty, value, and importance of the
millions of
stems of flowers and greens grown right here in California. Our voice was heard in the halls of the
state
capitol and in Washington, D.C., all with an eye on supporting the state’s flower-farming families
and the
income they contribute to the state’s economy while explaining to consumers and others why origin
matters.
More specifically, over three decades, CCFC helped expand the size and significance of the
Congressional
Cut Flower Caucus; established the BloomCheck Certification
program; helped the Rose Parade return to its roots of showcasing California agriculture; created
California Cut Flowers Month and American Grown
Flowers Month; established Certified
American
Grown; provided California Grown Flowers to thousands of events; raised the profile of the
state’s
cut flower industry and the importance of flower origin with consumers; and reached new overseas
markets
with one of California’s most valuable exports.
Which is all to say that CCFC moved the needle in so many, many ways on behalf of flower farmers and
to
the benefit of consumers.
And we couldn’t have done it without the support of the farmers themselves, consumers, florists,
wholesalers, and retailers who came to understand the #originmatters message and helped spread the
word.
I have been honored to have been able to serve all the cut flower farmers in the state as a
Commissioner and Chairman of the CCFC for over 30 years. Being part of the
organization as a
founding director (and now as the final Chairman) has been one of the most fulfilling
accomplishments
in my professional career and I want to thank each and every grower for allowing me to
represent their
collective and diverse interests. It saddens me deeply to see the CCFC close down, but
I am
energized by the opportunities that lie ahead for all domestic growers through Certified
American
Grown movement and I encourage each and every cut flower farmer in California to jump on
board to help
us keep up the positive momentum that we’ve created.
– Michael A. Mellano, Mellano & Company, Chairman of the Board
Saying goodbye to a good thing is never easy, but luckily, we’re really just saying, “Meet us
under a
new umbrella!”
Many of CCFC’s programs and people can be found over at Certified American Grown, an organization
that
allows us to carry on our work at a national level. And we’d be profoundly grateful if you would
continue
to support our mission and vision through CAG.
“It is bittersweet for me to have had the privilege of being both a CCFC Founding Father /
2nd
Chairman in 1990 as well as its closing CEO thirty years later. As a life-long
California cut
flower farmer myself, I could not be prouder to have stood next to my fellow farmers all
these years
and accomplish this list of outstanding progress together. Knowing that change is constant
and
embracing that evolutionary process, I am excited to lead the launch team for Certified
American
Grown. I welcome the collective nation of flower farmers to join us in our cause and
continue to feel
inspired about the future of cut flowers and greens grown on American soil.” – Dave
Pruitt,
CEO
Certified American Grown is a diverse community of cut flower and foliage farmers from across the United States. As the voice for domestic farms, they work towards sustainability and prosperity through a unified voice, effective advocacy and strategic promotion. The iconic brand mark instills consumer confidence in place of origin.
The Kee Kitayama Research Foundation was established in 1992 to conduct research and educational programs for California's cut flower and potted plant industry. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 non profit corporation formed to enable the industry to accomplish as a group what individual firms cannot do alone.
The BloomCheck program establishes best practices for cut flower and foliage farms to assure consumers these farms are socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically viable.