|
Help Us Update Your Member Type
For more than 80 years, CalFlowers has brought the floral industry together—from our early days as a group of California growers and shippers to today’s thriving national community of over 860 members. Now, we’re taking another step forward.
CalFlowers is updating our membership types to better reflect the diversity of our industry. Read the full update from Lane DeVries, President of CalFlowers.
Please complete your emailed census to help us update your member type.
New member types will go into effect in early 2026.
|
|
|
|
|
As we close out the year, CalFlowers is proud to share highlights in our End-of-Year Report, reflecting on key milestones and a strong foundation for the coming years. From a leadership transition and updated governance to welcoming 105 new members and investing more than $1.26 million in industry initiatives, this year marked meaningful progress for our community.
With a strategic planning retreat on the horizon and excitement building for our 85th anniversary at Fun ’N Sun 2026, CalFlowers remains focused on delivering value, fostering collaboration, and supporting a thriving floral industry.
|
|
|
CalFlowers Unveils Fun 'N Sun 2026, Celebrating 85 Years of Floral Excellence
|
|
|
CalFlowers is pleased to announce details for our highly anticipated Fun ’N Sun 2026 Floral Convention, to be held August 5–8, 2026, at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena, California. In celebration of CalFlowers’ 85th anniversary, the event will feature the theme “A Legacy in Bloom – 85 Years of Floral Excellence,”highlighting the history, creativity, and future of the floral industry.
In a continued effort to support accessibility and connection across the floral supply chain, CalFlowers also confirmed that registration and exhibit pricing will remain unchanged from 2024, allowing members and industry partners to incorporate costs into their 2026 budgets with confidence.
Save the Date and Read more.
|
|
|
|
Channel Islands Flowers Steps Forward as a Direct California Floral Shipper After Decades of Industry Experience
|
|
|
After decades of serving the floral industry through long-standing partnerships, Channel Islands Flowers is stepping forward as an independent, direct California floral shipper, offering customers the opportunity to source directly from the farm.
Rooted in Oxnard, California, Channel Islands Flowers operates a 90-acre growing operation backed by deep industry experience. While the farm has long been a trusted source of high-quality flowers, this transition marks a new chapter focused on establishing its own identity and expanding direct relationships across the floral supply chain.
Read the full Press Release.
|
|
|
|
Seed Your Future Spotlights Mrs. May - Latest Horticulture Hero
|
|
|
Seed Your Future, knows the world of plants touches every corner of our lives - from the spaces we design to the communities we grow. The next generation of plant professionals is eager to lead, innovate, and turn their passion into thriving businesses. And they’re here to spotlight the educators who nurture those dreams every day. Introducing SYF's latest Horticulture Hero, Mrs. May, Small Business Operations and Floral Instructor at Metro Tech High School!
Like many who discover their plant-passion, Mrs. May’s path was anything but linear. She didn’t begin as an educator - her first love was design: “I went to interior design school and back in the 90s, before internet, before all of our resources that we've got now, you basically had to know somebody to get a job.” Read more.
|
|
|
|
The American Floral Endowment's Year in Review & Annual Report
|
|
|
This year has been one of incredible progress for the American Floral Endowment (AFE) and the floral community! From breakthrough research and hands-on internships to new sustainability tools and educational grants, 2025 was filled with growth and innovation. While there’s much to celebrate, these accomplishments also underscore the increasing need for AFE’s vital support of education and research.
Learn how year-end gifts to AFE fund meaningful programs to strengthen the floral community.
|
|
|
The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has released its 2024-2025 Annual Report, capturing a year of momentum, innovation, and industry-driven impact. Spanning July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, the report details more than $600,000 awarded to 20 research projects, expanded sustainability education through Sustainabloom, and continued support for students and emerging leaders through scholarships, internships, and the Young Professionals Council. In total, AFE distributed more than $1.5 million in research, scholarship, and grant funding: strategically strengthening every segment of the floral industry. Read more.
|
|
|
Blooming for the Holidays & Into the Future… Thanks to Support from CalFlowers!
|
|
|
A letter from J: One of the things I always tell people, at places we are filming, is that producing segments for Public Television takes time. It’s certainly not a fast process… therefore we have to get a jump on Seasonal or Trending Flower Topics ahead of time. Then we can have it ready in the months or sometimes Years (translated to Seasons) that are coming in the future.
These past two months are a great example of keeping Future Projects and Seasons of “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom” in the production pipeline. In November and December of 2025 - we filmed incredible content … allow me to set the stage… Read more.
|
|
|
|
Do you have floral news you want to share with the CalFlowers community?
Please contact us.
|
|
|
Important FedEx Updates:
Effective Dec. 1, 2025 (from FedEx.com)
“As we work to maintain the highest standards of safety and service for our customers and team members and manage the temporary reduction in fleet capacity while MD-11 safety reviews are underway, we are flexing our integrated air-ground network to provide continued connectivity. Due to the anticipated seasonal volume, the FedEx Money-Back Guarantee will be suspended for packages shipped on or after Dec. 1, 2025, for the following time-definite FedEx services, until further notice.”
For those of you that missed our recent email, CalFlowers secured significant contact improvements relating to Pick-ups and Demand fees. Currently in effect, these improvements include:
- Peak / Demand Surcharge: 60% discount
- Same-Day On-Call Pick-Up Fee: 100% discount
- Future-Day On-Call Pick-Up Fee: 100% discount
- Residential On-Call Pick-Up Surcharge: 50% discount
- Pick-Up Area Surcharge: 35% discount
- Extended Pick-Up Area Surcharge: 35% discount
- Remote Pick-Up Area Surcharge: 35% discount
These improvements will have a notable and significant effect on lowing your costs in terms of fees and surcharges especially since we are in the FedEx “Peak/Demand” season. Members receive 60% off Peak/Demand seasonal surcharges.
As a follow-up to Chris' recent email regarding Pick-up fees, that information is still the best information we have to this date. If you have a regular scheduled daily pick-up with FedEx, you will see a fee close to $34.00. To get around this fee we suggest using FedEx On-Call to schedule a pick-up when needed. You can do this online, or by phone. By using this method, you should not see a fee applied to your invoice. If you do see a pick-up fee, please let me know by emailing Chris at chris@cafgs.org. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
See HERE for a summary from FedEx that sheds some light on some of these fees you may be seeing. It’s a good reference.
The nationwide FedEx General Rate Increase (GRI) for 2026 is 5.9%. CalFlowers members will only see a 5% increase due to our negotiated contract. This change is effective January 5th and shippers will see their new rates at that time. Updated hard copy rate sheets should be available during the first week of January on our website. As further details become available, we will share updates promptly to keep you informed.
Also, there have been reports that FedEx has “accurized” their automated scanning machines that dimensionalize boxes sent through the system. This has been confirmed. These machines with sophisticated lasers are now even more accurate than before thus showing boxes larger than what was previously listed. In other words, your box is probably going to show LARGER than expected. For example, a 20 x 8 x 6, may now show as 21 x 9 x 7. This will result in price changes if your box is sensitive to size in terms of pricing. There are other fees that you may see on your statement and the above link can help make sense of it. CalFlowers is currently negotiating some of these fees and we should have news soon on how we did.
For those of you that haven’t heard, FedEx is spinning off its Freight (pallet) business. Most FedEx Freight accounts are stand-alone agreements, but we have ours built into our overall contract. Members still have Freight rates at 89% discount. How does this change affect CalFlowers? No changes as of today but more information will be coming next year. Read HERE for more details.
|
|
|
With the winter season here, it’s an essential practice to check for any service delays or alerts before you ship, and the best resource for that information can be found HERE. Knowing what to expect before you ship can limit any unexpected delays and headaches.
|
|
|
|
FedEx International Shipping:
See here for an excellent resource from FedEx that walks shippers through the process step by step. First time international shippers inherently have questions on the process and paperwork required. If you'd like to talk to someone in person whether on the phone or at FedEx office, assistance available when needed.
Additional Reminders:
Although FedEx First Overnight is available to any FedEx customer, it is HIGHLY recommended that you do not select this service unless it is absolutely necessary and you fully understand the pricing. FedEx First Overnight (8am) is a remarkable service but please understand FedEx does not discount this option. Rates are VERY expensive and cannot be re-rated once shipped.
Did you know that our Priority Overnight rates (10:30am delivery), typically are only a few dollars more than Standard Overnight? The Standard Overnight delivery commitment is around 5 hours later (3:30pm), which can make a difference with many varieties in terms of arrival condition. Take a look - you will be surprised how close these rates are.
|
|
|
Your shipping platform may not allow you to book a shipment to arrive on Saturday. To get around this, shippers need to go to FedEx.com and book it manually. This will allow Saturday delivery zones and times to show up.
You can have your shipments held at your nearby FedEx Office instead of being delivered to your door. Having shipments held at your local FedEx office can help with temperature management since your boxes will be stored in a temperature-controlled office rather than riding in a truck all morning. It’s also true that you can drop off your shipments at your local FedEx office. This can be an advantage for some parts of the country where having your packages standing by in a FedEx office is preferable to being in a truck for hours.
|
|
 |
|
For those wanting to know who your FedEx representative is, or if you want to be contacted by FedEx, please email Chris Johnson with your FedEx account number and he will respond with your FedEx contact. It’s a good practice to establish a relationship with your FedEx representative. They can be of great assistance when needed.
Find the latest news from FedEx here.
Call (877) 339-2774 for FedEx’s tech support team, who can help with many tech-related issues including guidance regarding on-line shipping platforms.
|
|
|
Surcharges & Claims Resources:
For those members looking for general information on Surcharges and Claims, the following resources can be helpful.
This first resource offers information regarding surcharges and fees. Keep in mind that the CalFlowers program offers members MANY surcharge and fee reductions that are significantly lower than these standard surcharges, however it’s still a good reference point and has some clear definitions on what each fee/surcharge is. If you would like a summary of your program surcharge/fee discounts and waivers, please check our website or email Chris Johnson for a copy.
The second resource is very helpful when you need to file a claim for damaged or lost product. Keep in mind, a product claim is different from our Money Back Guarantee, which applies to shipping charges and is handled differently. Product claims are more involved and can be confusing, but this resource helps navigate the process.
FedEx New Member Resources:
New members who are just starting with FedEx shipping can utilize the “Customer Training” service that is available upon request. This service offers shippers direct one-on-one assistance from FedEx covering many of the questions new shippers may have. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Chris Johnson. Visit this webpage for excellent information for new shippers and a summary of FedEx's offerings.
|
|
We would like to remind members to stay current with their FedEx Express shipping invoices. FedEx payment terms are 15 days. All members shipping on FedEx Express are expected to stay within the FedEx payment terms. Failure to stay current with FedEx risks your account being delinked from the program. For more information on this issue, contact Chris Johnson, Director of Transportation. To obtain your invoice details and payment options, please contact FedEx Customer Service.
|
|
|
GLS Updates:
Please note: GLS pricing for 2026 takes effect December 22nd. We are pleased to report rates will only increase on average by 3.5% as compared to the GLS scheduled 5.9%. We will have our new rates available on our website prior to the start date.
GLS adds automated sortation systems to hubs in California, Las Vegas! See here for more for more info on GLS’s new automated sort.
The CalFlowers GLS program is one of our popular, most value-priced offerings, with discounts well over 70% off standard rates. GLS offers later pick-ups and earlier deliveries while providing express door-to-door services covering CA, AZ, NV, OR, WA, NM, UT, and ID. Members who want to ship on GLS must sign up in advance. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes. Please contact Chris Johnson for more details at (760) 533-5580 or chris@cafgs.org.
|
|
|
Check out the GLS interactive Time-in-Transit map. Plug in your ZIP code and a handy map will show you your 1-day, 2-day transportation options.
GLS Program Improvements:
GLS has been very receptive to our requests for program improvements. They have added the following features to our program for members to utilize when shipping Priority.
|
|
|
|
GLS will now honor product claims. If GLS is at fault (acts of God, not included) and the product arrives damaged, significantly late, or just missing, members now can file a claim. We highly recommend member shippers to indicate the correct Declared Value to be covered.
GLS will credit 100% of shipping costs if your shipment is not delivered on the day promised. Bad weather is excluded. Members will need to request this within 48 hours at customerservice@gls-us.com.
|
|
|
|
GLS has given our account access to a special premium team of Customer Service agents. This high-level group was designed for fast response and problem solving. Please contact Chris Johnson for access to this important resource.
GLS has an updated website. Additionally, try this handy Delivery Rates & Times Calculator to view delivery dates and estimated time of arrival.
|
|
|
Alaska Air Cargo Program:
As you may know, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are merging. Due to this merger, Alaska has asked us to pause adding new shippers to our program while they combine operational systems. This pause is temporary, and we will notify members when we get the “go ahead” to add shippers to this signature program.
Alaska has also been keeping shippers up to date on the progress of the merger. Click HERE for the latest in booking and information.
If you've been using our new CalFlowers/Alaska Airlines shipping program, you’ve likely experienced its exceptional value. This program provides outstanding rates to numerous regions nationwide, including shipments from California, Portland, Seattle, and Alaska.
For 2025, we have renewed our contract with Alaska Cargo and are pleased to announce no change in pricing! Look for more information coming soon and be sure to explore all program details on our website.
Did you know Alaska Airlines provides one of the most comprehensive intra-California services, with San Diego serving as its largest hub in the state? Even better, through our exclusive partnership with Alaska Airlines, we offer truly exceptional rates that you won’t find anywhere else. Click HERE for the latest Alaska Air Cargo Zone Map.
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the latest News & Updates please visit the Alaska Airlines webpage.
For the latest in Alaska Cargo News see here.
|
|
|
|
Alaska Air commonly asked questions.
For questions about our Alaska Air Cargo program, please contact Chris Johnson, (760) 533-5580.
|
|
|
|
|
Air Canada Cargo Program:
In case you missed it, we now have Air Canada rates available to our membership! They can be viewed on our website. These are the standard Floral Rates from Air Canada, and they offer good value. However, we are currently working with Air Canada with the goal of securing exclusive rates for CalFlower members. More information to follow.
|
|
|
|
|
LAST CHANCE! If you've never attended an ASCFG Conference, there is no better time to invest in yourself! The Association of Specialty Cut Flowers welcomes CalFlowers members to register at the ASCFG member rate for the 2026 Conference in Albuquerque on Jan 13-14.
Meet well-known podcasters, Charlotte Smith of The Profitable Mindset Podcast, and Scott Shepherd of The Flower Podcast, along with Dr. John Dole, Laura Lengnick, and Robert Washington-Vaughns.
There will be something for everyone with concurrent education sessions, trade show, and networking opportunities. Learn more about the fifteen educational sessions HERE.
|
|
|
Ruh Roh, Root Rot! Managing Oomycete Pathogens in Floriculture Production
Oomycete pathogens remain a persistent threat in floriculture production, causing significant losses when conditions tip in their favor. In this webinar, Dr. Del Castillo will dive into the biology of Pythium and Phytophthora, how to diagnose root rot issues, and the most effective management approaches. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to improve root-zone health and reduce disease pressure in their operations. When you’re thinking “ruh roh,” it’s already too late—join us to get ahead of root rot and outsmart oomycete pathogens. Register here.
|
|
|
Member Spotlight
Groot In Flowers
Groot In Flowers is a passionate and experienced floral company offering a diverse catalog of high-quality blooms—from vibrant lilies and irises to golden California flowers and lush Pacific coast foliage.
"With decades of expertise in floral sales, distribution, and branding, we work closely with growers, wholesalers, and retailers to cultivate a thriving floral network. Our customer-first approach ensures fresh, timely deliveries, while our embrace of innovation and data-driven solutions helps optimize every step of the journey. Explore our catalog and let us brighten your world with nature’s beauty."
|
|
|
We are in the process of transitioning to new member types. New member types are reflected below. Read about the updates here.
|
|
|
|
|
The ASCFG educates, unites, and supports cut flower growers of all sizes.
Not a member yet? Now is the time!
Join or rejoin the ASCFG by December 31 and receive a package with all four 2025 issues of The Cut Flower Quarterly plus a $50 gift certificate.
Use ASCFG2025 on the application where it asks "How did you hear about the ASCFG?"
|
|
Member Benefit Spotlight
Membership Directory
|
|
The 2026-2027 Membership Directory is coming to your doorstep in early 2026! Keep your eye out for this wonderful resource to find new partners and vendors, source floral products, and connect with over 860 floral companies across the U.S. Can you guess what the cover is this year?
|
|
|
|
|
|
