On April 10th, 2024, a tour took place at the USA Bouquet facilities in Doral, FL, organized by AFIF's Executive Vice President, Christine Boldt. The occasion? A detailed tour for a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) delegation, led by the recently appointed Director of Field Operations for the Miami and Tampa Field Offices, Mr. Carlos C. Martel.
This wasn't just any tour. The representatives from USA Bouquet, led by Director of Operations Ergie Fernandez, meticulously explained the intricate process, stringent timelines, and essential cold chain requirements vital for delivering quality flowers to clients on time. It highlighted the crucial stages of flower processing, from the moment they arrive at the port of entry to their journey to the warehouse, emphasizing the key role that CBP plays in supporting this process.
The essence of this gathering was twofold. Primarily, it served as an insightful demonstration of the industry's operational challenges and requirements directly to key regulatory figures. Secondly, it underscored AFIF's ongoing commitment to advocate for its members by facilitating a deeper understanding among CBP officials regarding the critical time-sensitive nature of the cut flower industry's logistics.
This initiative is particularly crucial as Mr. Martel assesses avenues to enhance CBP operations, ensuring that such improvements support the flourishing of the imported cut flower industry rather than hinder it. Through collaborative efforts like these, AFIF continues to champion the needs of its members, striving for operational efficiencies that benefit all stakeholders involved.