Organic Cut Flowers: A Growing Niche?

Last week we discussed the importance of creating a business plan which will serve to guide you as you proceed to set up your business. The focus was on the small or microenterprise with an emphasis on the cooperative approach. The production and distribution of speciality food items creates a number of possible niche markets and, as has been previously mentioned in earlier articles, a good demand or market study can inform you about the viability of your product choice.

This week we will begin our exploration of another potential niche market, the organic cutflower business. The demand for organic produce is growing. The latest issue of the Agribusiness Examiner explores this trend. Cutflowers, organically grown may be an ideal community or cooperative venture. First, lets examine an alternative way to grow the products you select. If you do not have sufficient space in your backyard, are an apartment or condo dweller or simple don't want to give up your yard space then an allotment or community garden may be what you need. Contact your municipality to see if there are allotments available or if there are any existing community gardens. If there are, contact the gardens and see if they have space for you. If they do, you have a plot for growing and are ready to go. If they don't or there are no community gardens, consider starting one. Next week we'll explore how you can go about setting up a community garden.

You may also want to give some thought to encouraging your neighbours to devote some of their lawn to the venture. You may be able to barter your gardening services for the use of space or form a co-op.

Cutflowers are big business. The majority of cutflowers sold in the North American (Canada and the United States) are imported. This means there could be room for a home-grown operation. There are few companies selling organic cutflowers so this creates a niche. Now just because a possible niche exists does not mean you can readily fill it. As with any business, a solid business plan must be developed before you launch your enterprise. What is the demand for cutflowers where you live? Where are they being sold? Who is buying them? What resources are needed to grow cutflowers organically? Is organic growing cost effective? In other words, if you go organic and I suggest that you do, will your prices be competitive with the non-organic flowers on the market? If you have to sell for more, can you develop a marketing campaign that encourages people to buy organic. You need to have this campaign ready to roll before you set up shop. The entrepreneur who does the homework that is required can generate a market share that will develop into a steady income.

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