Open Flower Network

Helping women and gender diverse farmers connect, scale and succeed in the specialty cut flower sector.
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information, support, community

What is the 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. Open Flower Network aims to build on this potential. Over the course of the 2-year program, we’ll be drawing on the collective wisdom of successful flower farmers to provide mentoring, skill-building, and knowledge-sharing opportunities that help new and aspiring flower farmers connect, scale and succeed.

Presentations & events

In-person and online panels, workshops and networking events focused on priorities identified in the sector.

informational resources

A curated repository of resources, crowd-sourced from experienced flower farmers across Canada.

community building

Peer-to-peer support networks that let flower farmers share challenges, questions and solutions.  

research & advocacy

Building knowledge within and beyond the sector by gathering industry data and strengthening its voice. 

Freshly cut

Newest Resources for Flower Farmers

Sustainability for Flower Farmers

Sustainability for Flower Farmers

Open Flower Network: Starting up & scalingSustainability for flower farmersNov 11, 2025 How do we define 'sustainable flowers'? This is an essential question to ask, for growers, wholesale hubs, and florists alike. In this video, Theresa Schumilas of Garden Party...

Surviving Slaugust for Flower Farmers

Surviving Slaugust for Flower Farmers

Open Flower Network: Preventing BurnoutSurviving 'Slaugust'Oct 7, 2025 If you're a flower farmer, you're probably familiar with the grueling slog that is August! Between the long, hot days, the never-ending weeds, and the heavy demands of harvest, many farmers...

Best Perennials for Flower Farmers in Canada

Best Perennials for Flower Farmers in Canada

Open Flower Network: Channeling OptimismBest Perennials for Flower FarmersJun 26, 2025For many consumers and flower lovers, perennials like lupins, foxglove, and columbines are nostalgic favourites, reminding us of simple pleasures. For specialty cut flower farmers,...

bridging the gaps

education & support topics

Resources to help early-stage farmers clarify goals and understand essential elements of running a successful business.

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Knowledge and guidance to help you maximize the season and build a successful farm business

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Information, ideas, and tools to help you promote your business and connect with others, online and offline

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Discover resources and strategies to help you manage stress and find balance–in your work and life.

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Find information and guidance to help you expand your business and find success in the valuable wholesale market.

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Gap Analysis Report

As a starting point for the Open Flower Network, we gathered survey responses from almost 200 Canadian flower farmers at all scales, along with running a series of focus groups. This gap analysis report synthesizes those results to describe the sector as it is today, highlights opportunities, and identifies barriers to growth. The report also outlines the resources and programming the Open Flower Network program will begin developing to bridge these gaps.

read the report

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Be the first to know with updates on the Open Flower Network project.

Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.