“I tell other growers that belonging to SAF does not cost, in pays. Plus, the more you participate the more you get for your investment.”
-- H. Michael Mellano,Sr., AFF Mellano & Company, San Luis Rey, CA.
SAF is the growers voice in Washington. We lobby for research funding earmarked specifically for floriculture and protect your interests on many key issues. We have helped defeat legislation and regulations that could have cost you big bucks, including a regulation that would have forced you to widen every aisle in your greenhouses.
Additionally, working closely with other grower associations, we have succeeded in getting Congress to appropriate $6 million annually to fund the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative. Administered by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), this research specifically benefits the floral industry through projects aimed and improving pest management, environmental management, and production systems, while producing higher quality, longer lasting flowers and plants.
SAF also provides input to the American Floral Endowment on research priorities and reviews proposed industry research project. If you know of a study or research effort that could benefit the floral industry, we can put you in touch with the right people to get you stated.
What do I get with my SAF membership?
INDUSTRY ACCLAIMED PUBLICATIONS to Keep You Up-to-Date
Grower Update -- a monthly faxed newsletter that brings you insight on the unique issues that affect growers of flowers and plants.
SAF’s Washington Week in Review -- a legislative newsletter that keeps you informed on the legislative and regulatory issues that affect your business.
Floral Trend Tracker -- quarterly industry research and information.
SAF Wednesday E-Brief -- our weekly email newsletter, called the "USA Today" of the floral industry.
Dateline newsletters -- the best source of industry "inside information" 18 times a year.
Floral Managament -- monthly magazine.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES to help manage your business more safely, efficiently and profitably.
SAF Pest Management Conference -- Learn the latest proven techniques to help fight insects and disease. Networking with growers from varying backgrounds helps attendees create the best strategies to adapt their business.
Greenhouse Pesticide Safety Course -- The floral industry’s only U.S. EPA-approved computer-based training course in pesticide safety in an easy-to-use, interactive format. This course is available in both English and Spanish via the Web at SAF’s Online Learning Center or on CD-ROM. SAF members receive significant discounts off the regular purchase price and receive secure training records and reports to certify your compliance with the OSHA and EPA Protection Standards.
OPPORTUNITIES to highlight your unique products and services
Outstanding Varieties Competition -- Held during the SAF Annual Convention, the Outstanding Varieties Competition and Exhibition is a showcase of the floral industry’s most exciting flowers, foliage, and plants.
SAF Annual Convention -- Each year, growers, and suppliers from the U.S. and around the world donate fresh flowers, foliage, plants and supplies to help a team of leading designers turn our convention site into an amazing floral showplace. Companies that donate product receive in-kind sponsorship recognition through a product sponsor listing in the on-site convention program, recognition at the Presidents Banquet and in SAF Publications, and a link from our website to yours.
Floral Management Features -- Each issue of our magazine includes sections called “New Product” and “Fresh Choices," which feature various types of flowers for which retail and wholesale florists should be “on the lookout.” Often, new varieties are highlighted. If you’re growing unique flowers that might spark the next “hot trend” in floral design, let us know…we may feature your products in an upcoming issue!
POWERFUL TOOLS & SERVICES to build your business
Legal advice -- phone consultation with an experienced small-business attorney.
Savings on a variety of valuable business services including: FedEX Ground and Express shipping, payroll management, vehicle leasing and fleet managment services, last minuite truck rentals, etc.
Complete series of OSHA manuals to help you avoid inspection violations and costly fines.
Access to SAF's network of collegues across the industry and across the country, including retail florists and potential suppliers.
Personnel Tools tailored to the industry including an employee handbook and floral job descriptions that you can download and customize to fit your needs.
Exclusive access to SAF's InfoXchange library of discussions, which focuses on topics of interest to you.
SAF Membership Pays for Itself
SAF products and services help save you money and boost sales.
ESTIMATED IMPACT OF BUSINESS SERVICES
Service Used
Cost
Result
Value
15 Minute Legal Consultation
FREE
Avoided Penalty/Recovered Loss
$50
Signed up for FedEx shipping discount program
FREE
Saved 21% on Express and 15% on Ground shipping
$312*
Leased Vehicle Through SAF/Enterprise Partnership
FREE
Lower Monthly Payments/Tax Savings
$300
OSHA Handbook
FREE
Avoided Fines from Inspection
$800
Customizable Employee Handbook
TOTAL
FREE
Avoided Lawsuit
$5,000
$6,450
*Average quarterly savings for members participating in the FedEx Discount Program
Need more reasons to join? It's all about who you know.
SAF is your connection to the Capitol! Not only do we keep you informed on the legislative and regulatory issues that impact your business, we put you in direct contact with your representatives in Congress and make sure that they get your message.
Do you sometimes feel like you’re going at it alone? SAF links you to hundreds of other growers who deal with the same situations and problems you do, and many of them can offer you solutions through the stories covered in SAF publications. Our online discussion boards, and connections you make by becoming involved and attending SAF events, SAFlinks you to the rest of the industry to help you understand what’s going on with suppliers, your customers, and issues in other segments of the supply chain that can directly affect you. And, if you’re connected and informed, you’re better prepared to handle problems when they arise, which gives you peace of mind about your business and your livelihood.
SAF membership is a great investment in yourself and your businesses.
