Universities Recognized for Cut Flower Use on Rose Parade Floats
Prior to the 2015 Rose Parade on Jan. 1, in Pasadena, California, the Buy California Marketing Committee (BCMA) and the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC) recognized California Polytechnic universities in San Luis Obispo and Pomona and FTD, Inc., for their commitment to California’s flower farmers.
The recognition event was officiated by California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, Congressional Cut Flower Caucus Co-Chair Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-24) and California’s Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden of Pasadena.
“I’m excited to once again be honoring our Cal Poly students for their hard work and commitment to building a California Grown Certified float for this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade,” said Ross. “And it’s great to have FTD join in this important effort this year by decorating the VIP entries, including the parade’s Grand Marshal vehicle, with California Grown flowers.”
The California Grown Certification is a volunteer program that recognizes parade floats and VIP vehicles built with a minimum of 85 percent of cut flowers and greens from the Golden State.
The California flower industry has a $12.2 billion annual impact on the state’s economy. California’s flower farmers represent over 4,500 jobs and contribute $1.7 million to California’s economy every day.
“Highlighting the use of California Grown flowers not only harkens back to the origins of the parade, it puts a focus on the important movement toward American Grown, sustainable flowers that farmers are literally delivering from their farms to our homes,” said Kasey Cronquist, CCFC CEO and Ambassador.
The float from the Cal Poly campuses, with a theme of “Soaring Stories,” also received certification. “We are proud to be certified California Grown again this year,” said Cal Poly San Luis Obispo President Jeff Armstrong. “Our universities are dedicated to educating the next generation of farmers and ranchers in California, so it’s only natural that we are committed to supporting the hard-working flower farmers in California today, many of whom are alumni.”
“California grown flowers play a significant role not only in the history and beauty of the Rose Parade, but also in California’s agricultural economy,” said Congresswomen Lois Capps. “I’m particularly proud of Cal Poly’s recognition for their work and ongoing commitment to using locally grown flowers for their floats. I look forward to seeing the beauty of their efforts on full display at the Rose Parade.”
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