The Certified American Grown coalition has branched out to create its own independent trade association, the group has announced. The group previously had operated under the auspices of the California Cut Flower Commission.

The new national association is "the only floral organization that certifies the origin of the flowers and greens the members grow, process, package and market," the association said in a statement.
Rita Jo Shoultz, owner of Alaska Perfect Peony, was elected the first chair of the association, and Dave Pruitt has been named administrator.

The group will advocate in Washington, D.C., sponsor American Grown Flowers Month each July and host an annual field-to-vase dinner tour, according to the statement. The website is americangrownflowers.org.

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