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49 PURCHASE THE BEST FLOWERS The vase life of fl owers is largely determined before wholesale and retail fl orists receive fl owers. Growers must harvest fl owers at the correct stages and then treat them with hydration solutions, special solutions to maintain leaf color (prevent leaf yellowing), and anti-ethylene products to prevent damage during storage and shipping. Growers and shippers must maintain cold temperatures (34 F to 38 F) at every step, from the time fl owers are boxed at the farms until they reach the wholesale fl orists—a process referred to as "the cold chain." Growers and shippers begin the cold chain, and it is the responsibility of wholesale and retail fl orists to maintain cold conditions until fl owers reach consumers. STAY UP TO DATE Keep up with new practices and new products shown to increase vase life. Review your protocols, and modify them as needed to stay current. MAKE 2023 A PROFITABLE NEW YEAR Add a "postharvest pledge" to your 2023 New Year's resolutions. You will enjoy the benefi ts of reduced waste, increased sales and even happier customers. IMPLEMENT THE "3 C'S" FOR POSTHARVEST HANDLING AFE has identi ed the "3 C's" — Cooling, Care and Cleanliness — as the critical elements of successful care and handling programs. Cooling represents an easily measured component to ensure long-lasting fl owers. Most fl owers (except tropical fl owers) should be stored and shipped at 34 F to 38 F. ese temperatures reduce the respiration of the fl owers and help to preserve the natural sugars in the fl owers, so energy is available for fl ower opening and maintenance of cellular function. e second 'C' refers to proper Care of the fl owers, including the use of accurately mixed fl ower foods and clean water. e fl ower food provides sugar supplements and lowers the pH of the solution. Low pH (3.5 to 5) enhances water uptake in the stems and reduces bacteria growth in the vase solution. e third critical element — Cleanliness — emphasizes the need to regularly sanitize buckets, fl oors, design tables, cutting tools and coolers, to reduce fungal and bacterial contamination of the fl owers and the vase solutions. ese helpful care and handling tips are incorporated into a poster provided to the industry FREE of charge by AFE. is poster can be placed in fl ower shop workrooms as a reminder of the best practices for care and handling to employees. Florists can request a copy of the poster, read about new research fi ndings, and view "Care and Handling" webinars by visiting endowment.org.

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