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U.S. Code as of:
01/03/05
Section 4301. Congressional findings and declaration of policy
Flowers and plants are an integral part of American life,
contributing a natural and beautiful element, especially in urban
areas, to what is increasingly a manmade, artificial environment
for this country's citizens. Providing comfort and pleasure for
many special occasions as well as for everyday living, flowers and
plants work against visual pollution and, in the case of green
plants, generate oxygen within their environment. The flowers and
plants to which this chapter refers are cut flowers, potted
flowering plants, and foliage plants. These flowers and plants are
produced by many individual producers throughout the United States
and in foreign countries. These products move in interstate and
foreign commerce, and those that do not move in such channels of
commerce directly burden or affect interstate commerce of these
products. The maintenance and expansion of existing markets and the
development of new or improved markets and uses are vital to the
welfare of flower and plant producers, brokers, wholesalers, and
retailers throughout the Nation. The floral industry within the
United States is comprised mainly of small- and medium-sized
businesses. The producers are primarily agriculturally-oriented
companies rather than promotion-oriented companies. The development
and implementation of coordinated programs of research and
promotion necessary for the maintenance of markets and the
development of new markets have been inadequate. Without
cooperative action in providing for and financing such programs,
individual flower and plant producers, wholesalers, and retailers
are unable to implement programs of research, consumer and producer
information, and promotion necessary to maintain and improve
markets for these products. It is widely recognized that it is in
the public interest to provide an adequate, steady supply of fresh
flowers and plants to the consumers of the Nation. The American
consumer requires a continuing supply of quality and affordable
flowers and plants as an important element in the quality of life.
It is, therefore, declared to be the policy of Congress and the
purpose of this chapter that it is essential and in the public
interest to authorize the establishment of an orderly procedure for
the development and financing, through an adequate assessment, of
an effective and coordinated program of research, consumer and
producer education, and promotion designed to strengthen the floral
industry's position in the marketplace and maintain, develop, and
expand markets for flowers, plants, and flowering plants. Nothing
in this chapter may be construed to dictate quality standards or
provide for control of production or otherwise limit the right of
individual flower and plant producers to produce commercial flowers
and plants. Nothing in this chapter may be construed as a trade
barrier to flowers and plants produced in foreign countries, and
this chapter treats foreign producers equitably.
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