Last Sunday was Mother’s Day, one of the biggest days/weekend for the floral industry, some dub it as the ‘Super Bowl of florists.’
Leading up to this past Mother’s Day, more than three billion U.S. dollars were planned on being spent on flowers, which is up from the $2.9 billion spent last year.
This has prompted even more flower inspections than a typical day/week at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Inspections Help Stop Unwanted Pests, Plant Diseases From Entering the U.S.
Since April 1st, U.S. CBP agriculture specialists have inspected more than one billion stems of cut flowers from Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
“With more than 1.3 billion flowers cleared last year for Mother’s Day;, CBP agriculture specialists are on track to surpass the number this year,” Kevin Harringer, Executive Director, CBP Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison said in a statement .
This is an effort to help stop any unwanted pests and/or plant diseases from entering the United States.
It is legal to import flowers from other countries, but there are certain flowers and plant materials that are commonly found in floral arrangements that are restricted. This is due to the potential they have to carry plant pests and diseases that can cause damage to U.S. agriculture.
“It is critically important not only to consumers, but to the vitality of the U.S. economy that cut flower imports are carefully inspected by CBP agriculture specialists,” Carlo Martel, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles detailed.
Looking Ahead
Mother’s Day is not the only busy time of the year for CBP agriculture specialists.. Valentine’s Day and the Easter holiday weekend are close contenders.
But the U.S. CBP remains constantly prepared.
“So, whether you plan to give a single stem or an entire bouquet, rest assured the flowers will be free from invasive pests, and our nation’s agriculture will be protected.”
Should you have any questions regarding this and how it could impact your shipments, please reach out to our team today.
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