Grower-to-Grower Tour Capturing New Markets Through Farmer-Owned Cooperatives

Tour Tanglewood Flower Farm in Montgomery County, MD, and learn from Chesapeake Flower Exchange and Keystone Development Center about farmer-owned co-ops.

Cooperative ownership models are an important tool for leveling the playing field for small-scale operators and building equity in our food and farming systems. Whether you grow diversified veggies, milk cows, or harvest beautiful blooms, your operation could benefit from increased collaboration with other producers. Jill Coutts and Lisa Derx of Chesapeake Flower Exchange will share their experience making this happen.

In addition to a farm tour, you’ll learn how Tanglewood Flower Farm became part of a cooperative and how they work together to provide wholesale customers with locally sourced and sustainably produced flowers. You’ll also hear from about the benefits and challenges of working collectively to serve customer needs. 

The Chesapeake Flower Exchange is an online wholesale flower business, selling to florists in the mid-Atlantic region. The 10-member cooperative grew out of an informal network of flower growers who pooled resources to meet the needs of larger wholesale customers. Recognizing the value of collaboration, this group of flower farmers formed their member-owned flower cooperative in January of 2023 and began operating in April of that year.

Notes

• The price of dinner is included in the registration.
• Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear for the tour Tanglewood Flower Farm. Closed-toe shoes recommended.
• Capacity: This event is limited to 30 participants.
• COVID-19: Please review our safety protocols for in-person events.
• Questions? Check out our in-person event FAQs. If you still have a question, contact events@.org.