As a not-for-profit co-operative of British flower growers, Flowers from the Farm is a growing and important part of UK small-scale flower farming and they want their membership to be representative of the UK's population, which is why they have taken steps to ensure that the policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised is at the heart of how we move forward. "Our organisation represents individuals working across floristry, horticulture and flower farming, and we are aware of how far we have yet to go to ensure our organisation, and our industry, is fully inclusive."
"We recognise that there are invisible barriers to accessing growing and education in farming, and we are thrilled to announce that Flowers from the Farm is launching a Diversity Scholarship, which will offer five black people, or people of colour (BPOC) a unique programme of advice, mentorship, reference books, tools and equipment, and training courses to help kick-start their career as a flower farmer. This is the first big step in a long-term plan which will unfold in the coming months and years as part of our newly formed Diversity Action Group."
Flowers from the Farm would love to hear from any BPOC flower growers - with any level of experience - with a genuine interest and commitment to a career in flower farming. "You don't need to have any previous experience of commercial growing, but you do need loads of enthusiasm, access to outdoor growing space (this could be a shared site, allotment or your garden), a love for flowers and the commitment to learning about growing flowers for market."
For more information, or to offer your support, please email diversitygroup@flowersfromthefarm.co.uk.
Scholarship Content
- Free first-year membership of Flowers from the Farm which gives you access to a members-only Facebook forum for shared learning and to members’ bulk buys of corms, perennials & plants
- Free entry to the 2021 Flowers from the Farm virtual annual conference
- 4 x 1-hour seasonal online group advice sessions with an experienced FFTF flower farmer
- Individual mentor sessions with an appointed flower farmer
- Visits with a practical learning element to up to two flower farms, run by experienced FFTF members
- A curated selection of reference books on flower farming and growing
- £200 bursary towards travel/course costs for a flower farming course for each scholarship winner
- Starter kit of tools
- Starter kit of seeds
- Access to a DAG Diversity Scholarship Scheme coordinator for pastoral support.
Who can apply?
Any BPOC flower growers keen to earn a living from their work with flowers.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form
Applications are now open and will close at midnight on January 4th 2021, followed by a short interview in mid-January.
For more information:
Flowers from the Farm
www.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk