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Flower Farms
- FCNRCD
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
District staff spend considerable time traveling throughout Franklin County to meet with farmers, visit restoration sites, attend meetings, and conduct fieldwork. Occasionally, we pass a roadside stand selling flowers. Some stands might have a farm name; others might just have a chalk board sign with the prices listed. In most cases, it is clear that these farms are incredibly small scale and likely managed by one person. Who are these farmers, and what are the needs of Vermont's flower farmers?
In recent discussions with a few flower farmers in Northwest Vermont, including Casey Hansen of Phloem Farm in Swanton, Savanna Crossman of Heary & Soil Farm in Fairfield, and Morgan Hill Farm in North Hero, Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) staff learned more about Vermont's flower farms, and the potential needs of this sector of the state's land-based economy.
We learned that some of our assumptions were correct; many of these farms are small, women-led rural, urban , and suburban businesses. Many are without access to traditional farming resources. Some farms are established specifically to produce flowers, while others begin as small hobby gardens that grow into full-scale enterprises. Many farmers also add flowers to diversify their existing operations. Regardless of how they begin, flower farms can become highly profitable ventures within a growing and lucrative industry. With flowers being sent to florists to make arrangements, pick-your-own style farms for a day of fun, agritourism experiences, or wholesale operations, these farms provide a well-sought-after product.
Though many people purchase their product directly or indirectly, flower farms are often overlooked and under-resourced within the farming industry. Many flower farmers are not familiar with opportunities and resources available to them because they are often not from traditional farming backgrounds or operate on a small scale. Many are also young and beginning farmers with no prior experience in the industry. Furthermore, existing resources focus only on how to grow flowers rather than connecting flower farmers to assistance and to each other. While producers' associations and networks exist for other agricultural sectors in Vermont, such as the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, Vermont, Vermont Farm Bureau, and Vermont Bee Keepers Association (to name a few), there is no formal network or collective geared specifically towards Vermont’s flower farmers. Managing these farms with little to no farming background or a well-established network can be disheartening and overwhelming. The retention rate for flower farmers is low due to these difficulties.
FCNRCD sent a survey to flower farmers across the state in the fall of 2025 to gauge the needs of these farms. Most respondents emphasized the need for better technical, financial, and communication assistance. Below are a few examples:
Farmers want guidance on seed starting, using native plants, sourcing inexpensive seed plugs, and constructing high tunnels. (Technical)
They would also like better access to and assistance with grant funding. Many grants list floriculture as being ineligible for funding. “Flower farms have never received the attention in Vermont for the economic value they generate” – a response from a flower farmer from the survey. (Financial)
Many farmers were interested in networking opportunities, equipment sharing, resources and trainings for growing specific flowers for the region, and to form a producer’s association in the future. Moreover, responses from some of the more experienced flower farmers indicated that these individuals would like to share their knowledge and have the opportunity to mentor newer farmers. (Community)
FCNRCD aims to help address these disparities by strengthening connections among flower farmers, supporting the development of practical resources, and providing direct technical assistance. We are currently focused on building relationships within the flower farming community and identifying the next steps to expand support. Although we do not currently have dedicated funding for this initiative, we are exploring funding opportunities that would allow us to better serve and support local flower farmers. We are also planning an event to connect flower farmers with organizations that provide technical and financial assistance.
If you are a flower farmer interested in joining these efforts or have questions, please email us at info@franklincountynrcd.org.
Upcoming Event:
March 27th, 2026 – Technical and Financial Assistance for Flower Farmers
1:00-3:00pm
Join FCNRCD, USDA-Natural Resources Consecration Services, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and Northeast Organic Farming Association-VT for an info session on technical and financial assistance opportunities for Vermont flower farmers. Participants may attend in person at the FCNRCD office (431 Franklin Park West, Site 100a, Saint Albans) or on Zoom.
To learn more and register for the event, please visit this link: www.FranklinCountyNRCD.org/event-details/info-session-technical-and-financial-assistance-for-vermont-flower-farmers
Download the "Resources for Vermont's Flower Farmers" document at this link to explore available programs and assistance offered to you.
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