§ 4301. — Congressional findings and declaration of policy.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 7USC4301]
TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
CHAPTER 74--FLORAL RESEARCH AND CONSUMER INFORMATION
Sec. 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.
(Pub. L. 97-98, title XVII, Sec. 1702, Dec. 22, 1981, 95 Stat. 1348.)
Short Title
Section 1701 of title XVII of Pub. L. 97-98 provided that: ``This
title [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the `Floral Research and
Consumer Information Act'.''
Effective Date
Section 1801 of Pub. L. 97-98 provided that: ``Except as otherwise
provided herein, the provisions of this Act [see Tables for
classification] shall become effective on enactment [Dec. 22, 1981].''
