The floral industry is no stranger to economic shifts, and with President Trump’s recent tariffs on imported goods, flowers are once again in the spotlight. For many U.S. flower farmers, this could be a turning point—a chance to regain some of the ground lost when cheap imports flooded the market in the 1990s.

If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t see as many local flower farms as you used to, it’s because, back then, imported flowers took out American growers almost overnight. Day by day, small farms closed, unable to compete with the low prices of flowers shipped in from other countries. Today, over 80% of flowers sold in the U.S. come from outside our borders. But tariffs could change that—bringing both challenges and opportunities.

The Upside for U.S. Flower Farmers

Higher tariffs on imported flowers mean those flowers will become more expensive. This levels the playing field for American growers, making locally grown blooms a more competitive choice. In the long run, this is a win for our economy, small businesses, and sustainability.

Here’s why:

• More Support for U.S. Farmers – With imports costing more, local flower farms have a better chance to thrive. That means more jobs, stronger rural communities, and more diverse floral offerings.
• Fresher, Safer Flowers – Imported flowers often travel thousands of miles, losing freshness along the way. Many are treated with harsh chemicals (some banned in the U.S.) to survive the journey. Local flowers? They’re grown nearby, picked at peak freshness, and don’t require toxic preservatives.
• Better for the Environment – The energy used to ship flowers globally is staggering. From refrigerated cargo planes to fuel-intensive trucking, imported flowers leave a hefty carbon footprint. Buying local means reducing this impact dramatically.
• Ethical Sourcing – Many flower farms abroad rely on underpaid laborers working in unsafe conditions. By choosing American-grown flowers, you’re supporting fair wages and responsible farming practices.

The Challenge: Can U.S. Farmers Keep Up?

Here’s the honest truth: the U.S. floral industry isn’t built to immediately replace every imported bloom. Over the past few decades, the infrastructure for large-scale flower farming has shrunk, and growers need time to scale up production. If you’re used to walking into a store and grabbing roses year-round, you might notice some gaps as the industry adjusts.

This is where you come in. Now is the time to connect with your local flower farmer. Tell them what you need, what flowers you love, and when you need them. Farmers plan their crops months (sometimes years) in advance, so giving them a heads-up helps them grow exactly what their communities want.

The Big Picture: A Floral Future Worth Investing In

Change isn’t always easy, but in the long run, these tariffs could be the push needed to revitalize American flower farming. Will there be an adjustment period? Absolutely. But choosing local blooms isn’t just a passing trend—it’s an investment in better flowers, a stronger economy, and a more sustainable future.

More than likely, there’s a flower farmer near you right now, growing stunning, unique blooms that you won’t find in mass-produced imports. It might take a little effort to seek them out, but once you do, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.

Let’s support our farmers, embrace the beauty of locally grown flowers, and bring American blooms back to the forefront—one bouquet at a time.

RESOURCES 

If you're looking for local flower farmers, there are several great resources to help you connect with them:

1. Online Directories & Organizations

• Slow Flowers – A nationwide directory of flower farmers, florists, and designers committed to American-grown blooms.
• The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) – A resource for finding professional flower farmers in your region.
• Local Harvest – A directory that includes flower farms alongside farmers' markets and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) options.
• Grown Not Flown – An international platform connecting people with local flower farms.

2. Farmers’ Markets & Farm Stands

Many flower farmers sell directly at local farmers' markets or have on-farm flower stands where you can buy blooms fresh from the field.

3. Social Media & Community Groups

• Search Instagram hashtags like #grownnotflown, #localflowers, or #slowflowers to find growers in your area.
• Join Facebook groups for local gardening, farming, or community markets.
• Check out local florists who specialize in farm-fresh flowers—they often partner with nearby flower farmers.

4. Word of Mouth & Local Events

• Ask at garden centers, florists, or wedding venues—they may source from local growers.
• Attend flower farm tours, bouquet bars, or workshops that highlight locally grown flowers.

5. Contact Your State’s Agricultural Extension Office

Many states have directories of local farms, including cut flower growers. Your state’s department of agriculture website may have helpful resources.

If you’re serious about supporting local flowers, now’s the perfect time to start looking—there’s likely a flower farmer closer than you think!