SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FLORISTS

The Society of American Florists (SAF) is the national trade association for the American floral industry, representing more than 17,000 growers, wholesalers and retailers of fresh flowers and plants.

SAF aims at keeping its members up to date with the latest trends in the industry. Apart from this SAF also educates its members about flower decoration and design and plant care.

SAF members are kept informed about the latest news from the floral industry through the SAF research and publications like the Floral Management magazine and its numerous books, manuals and reports.

Some of the major functions that SAF performs are

• SAF's annual Congressional Actions Days- These conventions enable members of the industry to gain insight on legislation and regulations that affect their business. This event gives members a chance to come face-to-face with lawmakers and tell them how their decisions affect the industry.
• SAF's annual Pest Management Conference - Growers here learn proven techniques to help fight insects and disease. The conference features a table top trade show of the latest Integrated Pest Management (IPM) products, and technical information on disease and insect management tools.
• Marketing and promotional tools for society members with a public relations program.
• Consumer research and trends.
• An online learning center, covering the growing and selling aspects of the floral business, with access to non members as well.

Society Of American Florists also runs the website aboutflowers.com which talks about the design and decoration aspects of the industry.