Kentucky cut flower growers are being celebrated this July in a month-long promotional event organized by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and the Kentucky Horticulture Council. Each day, a local cut flower farm will be featured on the Kentucky Grown Cut Flower Promotion Facebook page and other social media platforms, highlighting where customers can find locally grown flowers on farms, at farmers markets, pop-up shops, through community-supported agriculture subscriptions and other sales outlets. 

“We invite Kentuckians to connect with and support Kentucky cut flower growers this month and throughout the year,” said Kristin Hildabrand, Warren County horticulture extension agent. “By doing so, you're not just buying flowers; you're fostering a sense of community and support and playing a crucial role in preserving Kentucky's natural beauty and the farmers behind them. Some ideas to connect with growers are to attend a workshop on a cut flower farm, buy local blooms for an event or party, pick up a market bouquet or arrangement at the local farmer's market, or take family photos in a cut flower field.” 

Approximately 80% of cut flowers are imported for U.S. markets, yet Kentucky farm conditions are well-suited for high-quality commercial production. The commonwealth is home to well over 220 commercial cut flower operations. The number of farmer-florists continues to increase each year. 

“Small- to large- scale farms in Kentucky can produce cut flowers profitably,” said Cindy Finneseth, UK community horticulture extension specialist. “We want to highlight the farmers whose locally-grown products are in high demand across urban and rural areas. Kentucky farms are growing a range of exceptional quality products to meet that demand.” 

To help customers find Kentucky operations, the UK Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) has produced an interactive, online map at https://uk-horticulture.github.io/KY-Cut-Flowers/. New farms are being added frequently and there may even be a flower farm close to you that doesn’t yet appear on the map. 

“Local flowers are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly, offering significant benefits for both small and large-scale agriculture. They provide an excellent option for diversifying local markets, and contribute to both the ecological and economic health of Kentucky,” said Alexis Sheffield, extension specialist and CCD co-director. 

“Join us in celebrating Kentucky Cut Flower Month as we acknowledge the vibrant growth of our flower farms and their positive impact on our communities and the environment.” 

To follow the cut flower month promotional activities, visit Facebook (@KYHortCouncil), Instagram (@KYHorticulture) or Twitter (@KYHorticulture). 

For more information about the monthly activities, please contact Cindy Finneseth (cindy.finneseth@uky.edu), Dakota Moore (dakota@kyhortcouncil.org) or Bethany Cox (bethany@kyhortcouncil.org). 

The UK Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. 

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