Published by the California Cut Flower Commission

Watsonville, Calif., June 4, 2001 -- The Board of Commissioners of the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC) voted to support the Flower Promotion Organization with funding for an additional 21 months. This decision provides close to two-thirds of the necessary funds needed by U.S. growers to continue the $2.5 million annual commitment by Colombian growers.

"We feel the Flower Promotion Organization is a successful program and merits this substantial support," said Bob Mellano, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the CCFC. "We are hopeful that California's commitment, combined with other U.S. flower growers, will give the FPO the necessary momentum and time to turn into an industry-wide program."

"We greatly appreciate this financial commitment and the leadership the CCFC has provided to the Flower Promotion Organization," added William R. Carlson, Co-President of the Flower Promotion Organization and Executive Director of the Floral Trade Council. "We are now at 85 percent of the funds needed to extend this program to October 2003. We will continue to reach all segments of the U.S. growing community until we reach this goal."

Under terms of the agreement, the Flower Promotion Organization has been operating with Colombian and importer contributions since August 1999. The current arrangement is scheduled to expire January 2002. U.S. growers have the ability to extend the program by a financial commitment. To satisfy the terms of the agreement the necessary funds must be raised by October 2001.