Congress Reintroduces the Don Young American Grown Act to Support U.S. Flower Farmers

A Legacy of Leadership and American Floral Pride

When you bring home a bouquet of American-grown flowers, you’re not just adding beauty to your space, you’re supporting local farmers, rural communities, and sustainable agriculture across the country. Every stem represents jobs, stewardship of the land, and the pride of knowing where your flowers come from.

Now, a bipartisan bill in Congress championed by American Grown Flowers, aims to take that same pride and purpose all the way to Washington, D.C. The Don Young American Grown Act (AGA) would require the White House, State Department, and Department of Defense to display only flowers and foliage grown right here in the United States. It’s a common-sense way to show federal support for American-grown blooms and the farmers who grow them.

Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) bill co-sponsor and Cut Flower Caucus Co-Chair and American Grown Flowers member farmer Rita Jo Schultz from Alaska Perfect Peony.

The Don Young American Grown Act was reintroduced on July 29, 2025, in both the U.S. House (H.R.4784) and Senate (S.2504). Named in honor of the late Congressman Don Young of Alaska, a longtime champion of America’s flower and foliage farmers, this legislation continues his legacy of advocating for those who grow beauty across the nation.

The bill was introduced in the Senate by Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Adam Schiff (D-CA), and in the House by the co-chairs of the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus: Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO).

Why This Bill Matters

For decades, America’s flower and foliage farmers have faced increasing pressure from global imports, leaving many family farms struggling to compete. Yet across the country from Alaska’s peony fields to California’s coastal flower farms, growers continue to cultivate world-class blooms that symbolize the best of American agriculture.

The Don Young American Grown Act asks our federal government to “speak with its dollars” by purchasing and displaying American-grown flowers and foliage in official settings. Just as there are “Buy American” provisions for food and manufactured goods, this bill ensures that flowers and foliage receive that same recognition and respect.

By requiring federal agencies to use American-grown products, the bill supports small farms, promotes sustainability, and keeps federal spending rooted in local communities  – strengthening an industry that brings both beauty and economic growth to every state.

Farmers on The Hill – Frank Aronosky from Texas Speciality Cut Flowers (Texas), Felicia Alvarez from Menagerie Farm & Flower (California) and Rita Jo Schultz from Alaska Perfect Peony (Alaska)

Voices from the Field

“This bill represents more than just flowers—it’s a tribute to the hard work, dedication and artistry that American flower farmers contribute to our communities every day,” said Felicia Alvarez, Chair of the Board for American Grown Flowers. “By allocating federal taxpayer dollars to American-grown blooms, our nation’s leaders are making a conscious choice to support local agriculture, small businesses, and the hardworking individuals behind every single stem.”

How Consumers Can Support American Grown Flowers

1. Every time you choose American-grown flowers, just look the our heart seal when you shop, you’re part of a movement that keeps our farms blooming and our communities thriving.
2. Contact your members of congress and tell them you support The Don Young American Grown Act (AGA).
3. Tell your friends to contact their members of congress to support the AGA.

Whether it’s a bouquet on your kitchen table or flowers at the nation’s capital, let’s keep showing the world the power of what’s grown here at home.

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