A research project led by the University of Surrey ( Dr Jill Timms ) and Coventry University ( Prof David Bek ) , in collaboration with prime farmers Zanna Hoskins ( Spindle Flowers ) and Debbie Scott ( East Lothian Flower Farm ) , proposes a radical transmutation towards topically originate , sustainable flush that could change the market and mitigate environmental impacts .
The Flower Grower Collective ( FGC ) aspire to make a racy online platform connecting British bloom growers directly with florists , efficaciously streamline the supply chain . By establishing regional hub , the opening move seeks to eliminate the inefficiencies that chivy the current system , where florists often recur to bulk importers due to fragmented access to local flower varieties .
Research with survive peak farmers repeatedly identifies that many minuscule - scale UK growers desire a clear route to market to upscale their business concern . There is unused capacity here . This highlights the pressing need for a system that supports local growers while fulfil the increasing consumer need for sustainable flowered options .
Dr Jill Timms , Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Surrey , say : " Our study highlight a critical moment for the British flowered manufacture . Not only do consumers want flowers that are fresher and more vibrant , but they are also increasingly aware of the environmental wallop of their leverage . By fostering local production , we can provide a answer that gain growers , consumers and our major planet . "
This initiative is co - funded by Innovate UK , the UK ’s origination agency , which tug productiveness and economical growth by supporting businesses to arise and realize the potential of new ideas , as well as the Department for Environment , Food & Rural Affairs ( Defra ) through The Farming Innovation Programme , and the Research Starter 4 Competition .
The model includes a user - friendly online sales event chopine , inspired by the Open Food internet , allowing florists to purchase from multiple local agriculturalist in a unmarried transaction . This approaching aims to boil down the administrative burden on both sides , making it easier for florist to source mellow - quality , sustainable blooms grown locally while provide growers with a reliable market for their production .
Moreover , the research team plans to follow through a education program for growers , focusing on quality standard and effective , sustainable , cultivation methods . This enterprise will not only meliorate the caliber of British flowers but also heighten grower confidence , ensuring that they can foregather the demand of flower store who may be less familiar with seasonal , topically grow options .
central findings from the enquiry indicate that the carbon footmark of UK - bring about flowers is significantly depleted than that of their import counterparts , with seasonal heyday offering a sustainable alternative that coordinate with the UK government ’s net - zero targets . By promoting agroecological practice , the FGC aims to also bolster biodiversity and create a more live husbandry biotic community .
Dr Jill Timms continued : " This is more than just a business concern chance ; it is an ecological imperative . We are at a critical juncture where we can reshape the floral industriousness to prioritize sustainability , support local economies , and cut back environmental harm . By leverage the corporate power of small - scale growers and innovative digital solutions , our enquiry not only cover the squeeze challenges present by the British floral industry but also presents a workable path towards a dark-green future . "
Source : University of Surrey
