Microfarms have played a key role in the revival of the Australian flower industry.
They were a wonderful safety net during the pandemic years. And now they are also being recognised as a great way to help the industry become more self-sufficient into the future.
The term ‘microfarm’ typically refers to a local operator that aims to maximise their output on a small plot of land. They work on a far smaller scale than large commercial operators. They generally grow locally, to sell locally.
Maybe they started on a tiny plot with one crop, like we did. They may be lovingly run by families, perhaps even for generations, like us. They typically hold a special place in the community’s heart, just like The Flower Farm.
Essentially, they’re the little guys. And who doesn’t love to see the little guys have a win?
How did the pandemic affect the flower industry?
2020 was a hard year for many of us. The world was beginning to understand the seriousness of COVID-19 and just how devastating its global impact might be.
Of course, there were the obvious heartbreaking effects on our health and population. But we would soon learn that the pandemic’s effects would reach even further than this. It also caused chaos and damage to industries and economies across the world.
At the time of the pandemic, Australia had been reliant on cheap, imported flowers to keep the flower industry going. These are typically sprayed with chemicals multiple times and frozen for ease of transport, before being thawed and sold here.
But of course, the pandemic saw a break in these imports. Australian consumers didn’t have the same access to cheap supermarket / service station flowers they once did.
Enter, Australian flower growers and microfarms.
What role do microfarms play?
Demand for cut flowers certainly dropped as events were cancelled, and offices and venues temporarily closed. But there will always be a market for cut flowers.
Particularly as friends and family were separated, flowers were a beautiful way to send love. They spoke to people, when we couldn’t find the right words. They took the place of hugs, when we weren’t able.
And just like that, Australians started buying directly from local farms again. Aussie growers and microfarms filled the gap and their share of the industry grew significantly.
According to IBISWorld, Australian flower industry revenue has grown at an annualised 3.4% over the five years from 2019–2024.
What does the future look like for the industry?
The pandemic taught us that self-sufficiency matters. Being able to grow what your local community needs, matters.
Australian growers and microfarms have carved out an important role for themselves, and we hope this is the way it continues.
Why should consumers support microfarms?
Consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of buying local.
Buying from local microfarms mean you’re supporting local families and therefore your community. Because they operate on a small scale, microfarms typically follow a more environmentally-aware approach.
They aim to limit the use of pesticides and chemicals, opt for sustainable practices and grow native flowers. They prioritise the health and longevity of the soil, the bees and their customers.
Is The Flower Farm a microfarm?
Here at The Flower Farm, we’ve been growing flowers for more than 40 years, and over several generations. We started with a small crop of carnations in 1978 and have stayed loyal to the Redlands community ever since.
We ensure that our flowers are picked at peak freshness and made available the same day –never refrigerated or frozen. We aim to focus on sustainability, have a small carbon footprint and minimise wastage in our operations. All of our blooms are sown, harvested and styled by hand.
Contact The Flower Farm to learn more about how you can support a local Brisbane microfarm.