Open Flower Network
Helping women and gender diverse farmers connect, scale and succeed in the specialty cut flower sector. françaisFinal 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?
Presentations & events
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
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...
Cut Flower Coops and Collectives
Open Flower Network: Expanding wholesaleCut Flower Coops & CollectivesMar 18, 2025Selling through wholesale channels is a valuable yet often untapped income source for many small-scale flower farms, whether they are scaling up or already established. Cut flower...
Hosting a learning or networking event for specialty cut flower farmers? We’d love to share it!
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.
