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. 

read the 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

Email and Social Media Marketing for Flower Farmers

Email and Social Media Marketing for Flower Farmers

Open Flower Network: Putting Flowers on the MapEmail and social media marketingJuly 3, 2025 In today’s digital world, growing beautiful blooms isn’t enough—flower farmers also need to grow their online presence. Whether you're selling bouquets at the farmers market or...

Marketing without Social Media

Marketing without Social Media

Open Flower Network: Putting Flowers on the MapMarketing without social MediaJune 25, 2025 Are you sick of social media? While social media can be a valuable marketing tool for many flower farmers, it's not the only way! In this video, Theresa Schumilas of Garden...

Plugging into Flower Plugs

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...

What’s Coming up

Events for the flower farming community

Regions
 Atlantic Canada
 British Columbia
 Ontario & Quebec
 Prairies
 Virtual/National
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345NFU Human Resources Training SeriesNFU Human Resources Training SeriesTime: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Hiring farm staff? Seeking advice on training and managing staff? Join the National Farmers' Union for a series of five 2-hour free online HR training modules for a crash course on best management practices. Join for one session, or for all!
Jan 29 - Hiring & Incentives
Feb 5 - HR Fundamentals
Feb 12 - Interpersonal Dynamics, Training & Retention
Feb 19 - Planning, Task Management & Delegation
Mar 5 - Bonus! Farm Grants, Loans, and Financial Tools 		6789
10111213141516Cut Flower Cooperatives & Collectives in CanadaCut Flower Cooperatives & Collectives in CanadaTime: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
In this workshop, OFN will overview the challenges and opportunities with online wholesale cut flower marketplaces in Canada. Designers with The Local Flower Collective (Canada's longest running online wholesale 'hub') will share their experiences. This event is free and open to all.
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Nothing is scheduled

Hosting a learning or networking event for specialty cut flower farmers? We’d love to share it!
Submit an event

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

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.