S. 2504: American Grown Act

This bill, titled the American Grown Act, proposes several specific rules regarding the procurement of cut flowers and cut greens by certain U.S. government agencies. The primary focus is on ensuring that these decorative plants are domestically sourced from specific areas within the United States. Below is a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Agencies Affected

• The bill applies to the following government agencies, referred to as "covered agencies":
  • The Executive Office of the President
  • The Department of Defense
  • The Department of State

Definitions

• Cut flower: A flower that has been removed from a living plant for decorative purposes.
• Cut green: Any green foliage or branch that has been removed from a living plant for decorative use.
• Qualifying area: Areas designated as within the United States, which include:
  • Any U.S. State
  • The District of Columbia
  • U.S. territories or possessions
  • Areas governed by federally recognized Indian Tribes

Procurement Requirements

The bill mandates that:

• Covered agencies may only use funds for the purchase of cut flowers or cut greens if they are grown in a qualifying area. This rule will take effect one year after the bill is enacted.
• This procurement requirement applies to items purchased or contracted for within the United States.

Acceptance of Gifts

If a covered agency receives a gift of cut flowers or cut greens from a foreign entity (defined as a foreign government or an agent of a foreign principal), it can only do so under specific conditions:

• The origin of the flower or green must be clearly displayed at the time of delivery.
• At the same time, the agency must procure a separate cut flower or cut green from a qualifying area to be displayed alongside the gift.

Additionally, the agency receiving such gifts must ensure that the origin of the received flowers or greens is prominently displayed during the display period.

Goals of the Bill

The objectives of the American Grown Act are to promote the use of domestically produced flowers and greens in government settings, support local agriculture, and ensure that decoration in covered agencies reflects American cultivation practices.

Relevant Companies

• None found