property ownership can build equity and create more options for retirement and succession. Culver guides participants through assessing their finances, iden- tifying ownership goals and exploring financing options for self-employed professionals.


Telling Lawmakers What Matters to You While members gained new tools they could see and use, SAF continued significant work behind the scenes in Washington. During 2026, SAF submitted formal


comments and met with administra- tion and trade officials about tariffs; educated Congress about their effects across the floral supply chain; and advocated for open floral trade and exemptions for floral products and plant material. SAF supported legislation to mod-


ernize the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and joined more than 400 agricultural organizations calling for workforce reforms. Its advocacy also helped secure House language direct- ing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain at least $6.4 million for the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative. SAF continued pressing Congress and the USDA to ensure flori- culture and nursery growers are eligible for agricultural assistance. Members reinforced those messages


during an April fly-in, meeting with 11 congressional offices. The industry will return to Capitol Hill for Congressional Action Days March 9–10, 2027, to explain directly how federal policies affect floral businesses.


Coming in 2027 Well-trained employees start with a strong foundation. In early 2027, SAF will launch a new series of courses for industry entrants that covers floral industry basics, care and handling, ele- ments of design, principles of design, and mechanics and design. Participants will receive a certificate of completion for each course. SAF is also releasing in early 2027


a comprehensive care and handling guide to help floral professionals protect product quality, reduce waste and


INDUSTRY ADVOCATES SAF members met with 11 congressional offices during an April fly-in. From left, Victoria Register of FernTrust; James Santoli of Jet Fresh Flower Distributors; Austin Bryant of Heart of Florida Greenhouses; David Mitchell of Mitchell’s Flowers and Events; and Robert Swanekamp Sr. of Kube-Pak.


increase customer satisfaction. It will follow flowers through the supply chain, covering postharvest management, cold-chain practices, shipping, cleanli- ness, conditioning, hydration, storage and common threats such as botrytis, bacterial growth and ethylene damage. The guide will include individual


entries for more than 70 cut flowers, foliage varieties and potted plants, with information about vase life,


pretreatment, storage conditions, eth- ylene sensitivity and special handling needs. It will also address transporting flowers, preparing product for events, reviving stressed blooms and educating customers about proper care.


Amanda Jedlinsky is the senior director of content and communications for the Society of American Florists and the editor in chief of Floral Management.


SAF’S 2027 IN-PERSON EVENTS SAF will continue bringing the industry together through several major events in 2027. Mark your calendar for these events and visit safnow.org/events for more information and to register.


Congressional Action Days, March 9–10, Washington, D.C. Floral professionals meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to share their experi- ences and advocate for policies that support the industry’s growth and success.


Next Gen LIVE!, June 13–15, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Emerging leaders develop skills in communication, leadership, customer service, sales and marketing. More than 600 young professionals from North and South America have participated since the program launched five years ago.


SAF Palm Springs 2027, Aug. 30–Sept. 1, Palm Springs, California Professionals from every segment of the floral industry come together for educa- tion, networking, supplier connections and industry recognition.


1-Day Profit Blast (dates and locations coming soon) Floral business owners and their teams gain practical strategies to strengthen sales, improve profitability and operate more efficiently — all in one high-impact day of education and networking. Check safnow.org/events for updates.


The magazine of the Society of American Florists (SAF)


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