Irish Flower Week 2023
Irish Flower Weeks fall from 1st July until 9th or July and we will be shining a spotlight on this week by providing FREE Flower Classes using all Irish Grown Foliage and sustainable mechanics.
Join us on our Facebook Page Monday to Friday 3rd - 7th July at 8pm, as we celebrate Irish Flower Week & Irish Flower Growers.
About the Flower Farmers of Ireland
The Flower Farmers of Ireland association is dedicated to promoting the work of commercial cut-flower and foliage growers in Ireland. The association consists of members from various regions across Ireland. They take pride in cultivating and arranging seasonal, scented, and freshly-harvested Irish cut flowers and foliage.
The Flower Farmers of Ireland focus on growing delicate and unique varieties. They aim to provide customers with the experience of receiving flowers that look and smell as if they were freshly picked from the garden that morning.
The association offers advice and support to its members in various aspects of flower farming, including cultivation, marketing, sales, and identifying opportunities. They prioritize sustainable farming practices and emphasize the importance of respecting the environment and the people involved in the flower trade.
By joining the Flower Farmers of Ireland, individuals can connect with fellow flower growers, gain access to valuable resources, and contribute to the growth and development of the local cut-flower industry.
How to become a flower farmer & join the Flower Farmers of Ireland association
Start small and do your research: Begin by defining your target customer base. Will you sell your flowers at a farmer's market, directly to florists, or do you plan to be a farmer-florist? Conduct research to understand the market demand, preferred varieties, and growing practices for cut flowers. There are books and blogs available that can help you choose the best varieties for your region.
Choose suitable flower varieties: Ireland's climate is conducive to growing certain cooler temperature annuals and perennials. Select flower varieties that thrive in your soil and aspect. Consider creating test beds to gauge their performance.
Seek advice and connect with other flower farmers: Reach out to experienced flower farmers for advice and guidance. You can join the Flower Farmers of Ireland association as a seedling member and utilize their member's forum to ask specific questions related to flower farming in Ireland.
Start as a registered business (optional): While it is not a requirement to be a registered business to become a member of the association, if you plan on making income from selling your flowers, it is recommended to register as self-employed. If you are trading under a business name other than your own, you should register it with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).
Join the Flower Farmers of Ireland association: You can apply to become a member at any time. The membership costs €60 for a full year, with a one-time admin fee of €20 for first-time applications. All memberships end in December, regardless of when they were taken up. Additionally, you have the option to become a "Featured Member" by paying an additional €40 per year. This allows you to have a more detailed profile on the association's website, including a photo gallery, promotional text, and a list of any specialist plants or services you provide.
Remember, starting a flower farm requires dedication, hard work, and ongoing learning. By joining the Flower Farmers of Ireland association, you can benefit from the support, advice, and networking opportunities provided by the community of fellow flower farmers. Good luck with your flower farming journey!
I’m a florist and want to buy Irish Grown Flowers
That's wonderful! Supporting local flower growers and purchasing Irish-grown flowers is a great way to promote sustainability and contribute to your community. Here are some steps you can take to buy Irish-grown flowers as a florist:
Research local flower farms: Start by researching flower farms in your area that specialize in growing and selling Irish-grown flowers. You can search online directories, check local farmers' markets, or reach out to the Flower Farmers of Ireland association for recommendations.
Visit flower farms or contact growers: Consider visiting the flower farms in person to see their offerings and establish a direct relationship with the growers. Alternatively, you can contact them via phone or email to inquire about their products, availability, and pricing.
Inquire about seasonal availability: Ask the flower farmers about the seasonal availability of specific blooms and foliage. Since Irish-grown flowers are focused on seasonal varieties, understanding the availability will help you plan your floral designs accordingly.
Place orders in advance: As local flower farms may have limited quantities, it's advisable to place your orders in advance. This will ensure you secure the flowers you need for your floral arrangements.
Collaborate with multiple farms: Consider collaborating with multiple flower farms to diversify your offerings and provide a wide range of Irish-grown flowers to your customers. This can add variety and uniqueness to your floral designs.
Attend flower markets and events: Keep an eye out for flower markets or events where local flower farmers showcase their products. These events provide an opportunity to meet growers, explore new varieties, and establish relationships within the local flower community.
Promote Irish-grown flowers: Highlight the fact that you source and use Irish-grown flowers in your floral designs. This can be a selling point for customers who value locally-sourced and sustainable products.
By actively seeking out Irish-grown flowers and establishing connections with local flower farmers, you can offer your customers beautiful and sustainable floral arrangements while supporting the local flower industry in Ireland.