Open Flower Network

Helping women and gender diverse farmers connect, scale and succeed in the specialty cut flower sector.
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Final Report

Over the past three years, the Open Flower Network has been helping women and gender diverse farmers to connect, scale, and succeed in the specialty cut flower sector. As this important work draws to a close, we’ve summarized the project’s highlights, achievements, and challenges in a short and accessible final report. 

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

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,...

Digital Marketing for Flower Farmers

Digital Marketing for Flower Farmers

Open Flower Network: Putting Flowers on the MapIntro to Digital Marketing for Flower FarmersJuly 2, 2025In today’s world, the truth is that almost every business needs an online presence. However, for many flower farmers (and small business owners in general), digital...

Building Networks for Flower Farmers

Building Networks for Flower Farmers

Open Flower Network: Putting Flowers on the MapBuilding Networks for Flower FarmsJuly 2, 2025 Ready to grow your flower farm community? Building networks with other flower farmers can be incredibly valuable — both personally and professionally. From attending local...

bridging the gaps

education & support topics

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.