House Resolution Designates July 2026 as American Grown Flower and Foliage Month to Boost Domestic Floral Industry

This resolution formally recognizes the massive economic footprint of the U.S. floral industry and sets the stage for July 2026 to be celebrated as 'American Grown Flower and Foliage Month.' While it might seem like a simple gesture, the bill highlights a staggering reality: Americans spend over $70 billion annually on floral products—from the peonies you buy for a wedding to the garden plants in your backyard—yet only 15 percent of the flowers and foliage sold in the U.S. are actually grown here. By designating this month, the resolution aims to bridge the gap between consumer desire for local products and the current market dominance of imported flowers.

The Local Roots of a National Industry

The resolution details a diverse agricultural landscape that spans the entire country, specifically citing production in states like Alaska (peonies), California (Gerbera daisies), and Florida (leatherleaf). For the average person, this means the flowers you buy for Mother's Day or a graduation aren't just decorative; they represent a supply chain involving more than 18,000 florists and thousands of small businesses. The bill points out that domestic flowers are typically sold within 24 to 48 hours of harvest. This isn't just a win for the 'buy local' movement; it’s a practical benefit for your kitchen table, as these flowers generally last longer than those shipped across international borders.

Economic Impact and Consumer Choice

One of the central goals of this resolution is to help you figure out where your money is going. Since the 'American Grown Flowers' logo was launched in 2014, millions of stems have been labeled, but many consumers still struggle to identify domestic options. By promoting July 2026 as a dedicated month for American-grown products, the House is looking to drive more of that $70 billion toward the hundreds of domestic growers and tens of thousands of jobs they support. For a small business owner running a local flower shop, this could mean a significant marketing boost and a clearer way to connect with customers who want to support the domestic agricultural economy.