Thank you, survey respondents!
Our survey of Canadian flower farmers is now closed. We look forward to presenting the results in a gap analysis report soon. Sign up for the Open Flower Network newsletter to be the first to get the report.
Introducing Open Flower Network
Women and gender diverse farmers often face barriers to participation in Canadian agriculture. But in the rapidly growing sector of specialty cut flowers, women and other historically marginalized communities are finding a new field of opportunities. We want to build on this potential.
Open Flower Network is an exciting new initiative focused on helping women and gender diverse farmers connect, scale and succeed in the specialty cut flower sector. Drawing on the experience of leading specialty cut flower farmers across Canada, this program will offer new and aspiring flower farmers access to a broad range of mentoring, skill-building, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Over the next two years, we will be coordinating in-person events and online spaces where women and gender diverse flower farmers can share knowledge around priorities identified in the sector.
Through this ‘open flower network,’ our goal is to foster the growth of profitable flower farms and co-selling networks that combine sustainable growing practices with creative design work.
Understanding the specialty cut flower industry in Canada
The first step in creating a meaningful program is to learn more about the experiences of specialty cut flower farmers. To do this, we are analyzing survey responses from almost 200 Canadian flower farmers at all scales, along with insights from a series of focus groups, to create a gap analysis of the sector. The report will describe the sector as it is today, and to highlight opportunities and barriers to growth, which will guide the development of the Open Flower Network program.
Why Open Food Network is going beyond food
Open Food Network Canada is an incorporated, not for profit organization. For the past 10 years, we have supported farms, artisans, and community organizations to connect and scale, in order to increase access to food and flowers produced in regenerative and climate-beneficial ways. The Open Flower Network project is a response to the grassroots interest of the many flower farmers and flower hubs that have begun to use our e-commerce tools, particularly in the past 2 years. And because we know the best results happen from the ground up, we’ll be working closely with growers and coordinators in the industry. The project is being led by Theresa Schumilas, OFN Canada’s first director and owner of Garden Party Flower Farm.
Our experience at the grassroots is that there are many new cut flower farms popping up in communities across the country. But all these new growers are facing challenges and barriers to scaling up and running viable businesses. This project gives us a chance to find out more about them and help them grow.
Find flowers, sell flowers, put your farm on the map!
One way we’re building the Open Flower Network is through national and provincial directories that promote the amazing flower farms growing across the country. These public directories let florists and other buyers easily locate farms near them, and are a free promotional tool for farmers. Click on the maps below to see the directories in action.
Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
