HRES-1459-119
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Sponsored by Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
What it does
This resolution would express the House of Representatives' support for designating July 2026 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month." It would formally recognize the domestic flower and foliage industry's economic and cultural contributions and urge Americans to purchase domestically grown flowers and foliage. The resolution carries no legal force, creates no new law, and does not appropriate any funds.
Who benefits
Domestic flower and foliage farmers, particularly those in high-production states such as California, Florida, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Texas, and Maine. Small florist businesses and floral retailers among the 18,000+ floral establishments nationwide. Distributors and processors in the domestic floral supply chain. The "American Grown Flowers" branding initiative, which was created in 2014 to promote domestic producers. Rural agricultural communities economically dependent on flower and foliage cultivation.
Who is hurt
Foreign flower and foliage exporters — particularly those in Colombia and Ecuador, which currently supply the majority of cut flowers sold in the U.S. — could face modest reputational or competitive disadvantage if the resolution meaningfully shifts consumer purchasing behavior. Importers and wholesalers who deal primarily in foreign-grown flowers could see reduced demand if the resolution's consumer awareness goals are achieved.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that only 15% of flowers sold in the United States are domestically grown, despite consumer preference for locally sourced agricultural products, and that many consumers are simply unaware of where their flowers originate. They contend that a formal congressional recognition raises awareness of the "American Grown Flowers" label, supports tens of thousands of domestic jobs, and strengthens a sector that contributes to a $70 billion annual floral products market.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that a non-binding commemorative resolution has no measurable effect on consumer behavior or market share for domestic growers, making it largely symbolic rather than substantive. They contend that if Congress genuinely sought to support domestic flower farmers, it would pursue enforceable tools — such as country-of-origin labeling requirements for cut flowers or targeted agricultural subsidies — rather than an advisory resolution with no legal or fiscal mechanism.