While flower farmer make a visit to Washington , D.C. , each year to connect with policymakers , a late meeting with faculty from Congressman Salud Carbajal ’s position brought policymakers to the flower farm .
Last week , Jeremy Tittle , headman of faculty , and Erin Sandlin , agriculture legislative assistant , visited Ocean Breeze Farms in Carpinteria on behalf of Salud , a co - chair of the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus .
While there , Tittle and Sandlin tour the farm and met with Rene and June Van Wingerden , owner of a Certified American Grown flower farm . They were joined by Dave Pruitt , interim executive for Certified American Grown , and Jumana Misleh , federal affairs representative for the program .
Jeremy Tittle and Erin Sandlin of Congressman Carbajal ’s agency , discuss reduce flower insurance policy concern with Ocean Breeze farmers Rene and June Van Wingerden .
During the meeting , the Van Wingerdens summarized the top three cut flower issues they believe Congressman Carbajal should focalise on : enforcement of labeling laws on import blossom , passing the American Grown Act and in-migration reform .
Tittle and Sandlin respond by gibe to conform to up on the labeling issuing and call to review alternative ways to move the American Grown Act , include reckon at modify appropriation lyric . They also indicated that while discussion on immigration reform extend , the chances of action mechanism on the issue this year are slim .
Farmer Rene Van Wingerden discussing the growth process and innovative charge practices of Gerbera daisy with Tittle and Sandlin .
The group then toured an Ocean Breeze Farms nursery , get wind about the growing mental process of Gerbera daisies and hearing about the innovations implemented on the farm , let in hydroponic growing and integrated pest management , which has made the cognitive operation chemical substance - free .
Also discussed during the tour were the slim border blossom farmer face , how farms are edit out costs with efforts like using plants for longer periods , and the grandness of a consistent , skilled labor force play .
Tittle and Sandlin leave Ocean Breeze with a deeper understanding of prime agriculture and a pledge to stay on to supply support for America ’s flush farmers in Washington , D.C.
“ merging like these carry on to emphasise the grandness of having a stiff relationship with our state and Union representatives to educate and transmit the take that all blossom husbandman face , ” notes CAG ’s Pruitt . “ We hope that through meetings like this , we continue to ensure a undimmed future for American flower Farmer . ”
For more information : American Grown Flowers916.441.1701[email protected]www.americangrownflowers.org
