Oklahoma Floriculture Network

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Oklahoma Floriculture Network supports the ecologically sustainable growth of Oklahoma?s cut-flower industry through infrastructure, community, and education by creating a formal digital framework and entity for networking and resource sharing between producers, floral designers, and consumers. The network will create revenue opportunities and encourage the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices while addressing statewide challenges in regard to cultivation, shipping, and marketing with the end goal of designating Oklahoma a national hub for Floriculture production, which was negatively impacted by the pandemic. Focus areas include Rural Infrastructure - Strengthening the network across industry verticals through workforce development, marketing campaigns, networking, and partnerships, therefore bridging the gap from producer to consumer on a statewide scale. Special consideration will be given towards marketing seasonal availability, sustainability and solutions to supply chain issues as well as opening commercial pathways between rural producers and urban consumers; Education - through strategic partnerships, the network will provide virtual and hands-on professional development opportunities across sub-sectors featuring a range of topics including conservation, regenerative agriculture and sustainability; Community - by creating a network and an online statewide platform, an all-access collaborative space to support the floriculture production community and connect producers to consumers will assist flower farmers in navigating current challenges including seasonal/environmental concerns, industry market pricing, supply and demand markers, and public education; Tradition - The network will honor Oklahoma's 38 federal recognized tribes in an effort to form relationships and mutually share cross-cultural information on sustainable horticulture practices through direct engagement, partnerships and educational opportunities.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The floriculture industry relies on interpersonal gatherings; weddings, funerals, and other events which warrant bulk purchases of floral products. While these gatherings ceased during the pandemic, rural farmers (many of whom are minority and/or female) experienced instances of severe shortage and/or surplus, a lack of availability of labor, and a reduction in demand for products. In addition to one of the top pre-existing challenges - lack of statewide freight routing capabilities - most rural producers experienced a loss without regular event seasons and dedicated consumers. Ultimately, the floriculture community's loss was astounding. By creating a statewide network, rural producers will benefit from increased visibility of their products to statewide and urban consumers across industry sectors (distributors, florists, wholesalers, and individuals).

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project outcomes include Appreciation - the general recognition from everyday consumers that locally produced flowers are superior to those shipped from out of state/country; Reduced Environmental Impact - by leveraging statewide partnerships and developing a framework for regenerative floriculture production practices, data collection will respond to geographic location, size of farm and export capability of local floriculture producers; Rural Infrastructure - generating income for rural producers by connecting them with urban consumers; Public Education regarding the floriculture industry and the benefits to purchasing locally; and Agritourism.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma