Imported cut flowers and foliage should be included in the new federal biosecurity levy, announced in Tuesday’s budget.

After decades of failed attempts to have Australian grown flowers added to the national country of origin registrar, an industry body has come up with their own solution.

Green and gold rubber bands touting an ‘Australian Grown’ label are available for flower growers via Flower Industry Australia.

FIA speaks to Chris Taylor on ABC Radio Sydney about the green and gold Australian grown flower bands hitting the market for florists and growers.

The Australian arm of Bloomex will soon head to court after the ACCC accused the florist of using overseas customer ratings from 2015 and for advertising misleading discounts.

Importers and farmers are being warned to expect changes to the cost of importing and exporting from Australia, as the government seeks a new way to fund biosecurity services. Speculation has been growing that the government will use next week's federal budget to introduce a levy on imports.

Some Australian-grown flowers will be bunched together by new green and gold rubber bands to help buyers identify local blooms. Peak industry body Flower Industry Australia is selling the bands to florists and growers across the country to strengthen the branding of locally grown flowers.