Mar 12, 2020

Additional Exhibitors Pull Out of CAST

Earlier this week, Sakata and Syngenta Flowers announced the cancellation of their participation in the 2020 California Spring Trials, due to rising concerns surrounding the spread of COVID-19.

Additional companies have released similar statements today (March 12), following President Trump’s announcement restricting travel from Europe to the US. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued a policy that limits public gatherings of more than 250 people and that smaller events need to adhere to a 6-foot separation approach.

Representatives for Dümmen Orange, Benary, Danziger, American Takii, HilverdaFlorist, Schoneveld Breeding, Plant Haven, Suntory, Pacific Plug & Liner, Speedling, Beekenkamp, Windmill Nursery, Green Fuse Botanicals, Westhoff, Cohen, Hishtil and Jaldety have all released statements today regarding their individual cancellations.

While the physical event is no longer possible, each company is working hard to present photos, videos, catalogs and more.

According to a statement from Dümmen Orange, “We are in the process of producing a series of videos that will highlight all Dümmen Orange products that were originally scheduled to be shown during the 2020 Spring Trials at the end of March. Instead there will be a video presentation in the coming weeks to allow our California Spring Trials … to be experienced through a virtual tour.”

Mike Huggett, national flower sales manager for American Takii, said, “While this is not what any of us had wished for, after nearly reaching the finish line, in the end, we must be concerned about each other’s health and safety. I am confident that soon we will bring the new products we have been growing for the 2020 CAST to our customers via digital or other means as we regroup and move forward.”

“This was a very difficult decision for us to undertake. Every year we very much look forward to welcoming all of you, showcasing our new products, providing training and information, and having some fun along the way while we all enjoy celebrating our wonderful industry together,” Benary shared in a statement. “The new products are, of course, going to be rolled out in the weeks and months to come and we are already discussing the different activities that we want to undertake to bring this information to you.”

According to a press release from Danziger, “Though we will not be displaying this year, our sales and marketing teams will create different materials (photo, video, webinar) that will allow us to share with you all of the information that would normally be presented at CAST.”

We at GPN are saddened by the recent turn of events, but the safety of everyone involved in the annual California Spring Trials event — exhibitors and attendees, along with their families — is of utmost importance. We still have every intention of reporting the latest introductions with our readers. We will be in touch with the breeder companies and will collaborate with them to provide highlights for you in our June and July issues. Stay tuned!