Open Flower Network
Helping women and gender diverse farmers connect, scale and succeed in the specialty cut flower sector. françaisinformation, 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
Plugging into Flower Plugs
Open Flower Network: Channeling OptimismPlugging into Flower PlugsJun 25, 2025 Do you use flower plugs on your farm? Plugs are very small seedlings, sold by the tray in a wholesale fashion. In this video, Theresa Schumilas of Garden Party Flower Farms talks about the...
Working with ‘Cool’ Flowers
Open Flower Network: Channeling Optimismworking with 'cool' flowersJun 26, 2025Looking for a way to get ahead of the Spring rush? 'Cool' flowers are primarily annual flowers that can be planted early in the Fall, stay in suspended animation below the snow through the...
Starting the Season Right for Flower Farmers
Open Flower Network: Preventing BurnoutStarting the season rightMay 5, 2025 How can flower farmers prevent burnout before it starts? Unpredictable weather patterns, financial pressures, and never ending to-do lists can quickly lead to stress and burnout for specialty...
What’s Coming up
Events for the flower farming community
Regions Atlantic Canada British Columbia Ontario & Quebec Prairies Virtual/National < > Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17December Q&A (Open Flower Network)December Q&A (Open Flower Network)Time: 4:00 pm
Here's your chance to ask your burning flower farming questions! Each Q&A will start with Garden Party Flower Farm sharing an issue or two of their own, and then open for group discussion and knowledge sharing. Join us on the third Wednesday of every month. Note: these sessions will not be recorded.
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Nothing is scheduled
Hosting a learning or networking event for specialty cut flower farmers? We’d love to share it!
bridging the gaps
education & support topics
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.
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
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.
Stay Informed
Be the first to know with updates on the Open Flower Network project.
Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
