American Grown Farms Have a Great Showing at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show 2022

The first annual Global Produce and Floral Show hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is now in the books. After a few years hiatus due to the pandemic and the new formation of IFPA (the organization is the result of a merger between PMA and United Fresh), a wonderful celebration of the mass-market community has been re-launched, and Certified American Grown is excited to have played a major part in the exhibition. Anchoring the floral pavilion and showcasing the beauty of flowers and foliage grown in the United States was the perfect way for guests to start their trade show experience.

American Grown Available All Year Long

Thanks, in large part due to the financial assistance from WUSATA and the generosity to provide CAG members we have been able to develop an opportunity to position our CAG floral and foliage members for increased market presence and sales. The presence in the CAG space complemented and highlighted by the other member spaces created a powerful presence for American Grown.

CAG Pavilion Sponsored in part by WUSATA; Pictured Anna Kalins, Program Manager and Camron King, CEO & Ambassador

Certified American Grown was honored to have a pavilion right at the main entrance to the trade show floor. The pavilion featured six farms prominently and provided product visually to ensure that buyers and attendees alike had the opportunity to enjoy the bounty that is produced on our farms. Additionally, many Certified American Grown member booths were available throughout the floral expo. This repetition truly provided great reinforcement that Certified American Grown and our farm members are an active and beautiful part of this industry.

The farms represented at the CAG pavilion included:
B Fresh Floral
Continental Floral Greens
Fern Trust, Inc.
Kendall Farms
Mellano & Company
Sun Valley Floral Group

Additionally, farms and Certified American Grown supporters that had booth spaces throughout the floral expo, included the following:
Fresh Blooms
Sutton Ferneries
Glad A Way Gardens

IFPA has been honored to have Becky Roberts as the head for the floral industry perspective within the operations for many years. Becky is an advocate and champion for all things floral and foliage within the organization and its membership. Earlier in 2022, it was announced that Becky is planning to retire. Certified American Grown and its members are so fortunate to have had Becky’s partnership, commitment and leadership to bring to our industry and community for years. We wish her all the very best as she moves into the future. While no successor has been named yet, Becky continues to remain committed to our industry and we couldn’t be more thankful for her.

One evening, during the floral reception held during the conference, it is an annual tradition to name the Floral Marketer of the Year. This outstanding leader in floral and foliage continues to provide perspective, progressive thinking, and innovative direction to drive the industry forward. Every year, a committee evaluates leadership, contribution, and dedication in evaluating potential recipients of the annual award. Certified American Grown is proud to announce that the 2022 Floral Innovator of the Year is none other than Mr. Lane DeVries from Sun Valley Floral Group. Lane and his team were honored by the industry and IFPA leadership during the reception. Congratulations to Lane!

Lane DeVries of Sun Valley Floral Farms Winning IFPA’s Floral Marketer of the Year

With the 2022 Global Produce and Floral Show a raving success, CAG continues to elevate partnerships, its members, and recognition of the entire industry. The event truly prompted not only our members, but the industry and the mass market community to reconvene, share, and celebrate together. While this year’s event in Orlando, Florida has concluded, we all are looking forward to the 2023 Show being held in Anaheim, California.

CAG Farmers at IFPA 2022

Anna & Camron at IFPA 2022