Flower Growers Group of NSW was formed in 1989 to consolidate the interests of the Flower Growers Association NSW and the Commercial Cut Flower Growers Association of NSW.

Representation at both state and federal level for NSW Growers was fractured as the government required consolidation in order to have only one voice representing the industry.

The association is essentially an advocacy group who has since its inception involved itself in critical issues regarding the commercial flower industry in NSW.

Those issues have predominantly focused on biosecurity issues particularly regarding imported flowers and also in promoting the interests of flower growers through various media and focusing policy decisions onto the political agenda.

The organisation also hosted a range of events to foster stronger connections between florists, students, TAFE, and other floristry schools and for many years, with the support of the NSW government and key industry partners, it provided scholarships to help students advance both their educational careers and floristry courses.

In 2020, COVID-19 had a detrimental impact on the scholarship program, and the association has since faced challenges in regaining its capacity to offer students the same incentives that were available before the pandemic.

The Association has collaborated with both the NSW Department of Agriculture and the Federal Department of Agriculture, particularly in the area of biosecurity to increase monitoring of importation of pests and disease. Over the past 15 years, it has played an active role in key discussions aimed at strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system. It has been working to protect not only local flower growers but also the farmers in the general community from the threat of exotic pests and diseases.

Many of the members of the Association and the wider flower community and have worked with the Association to enhance grower education, improve product availability and provide critical information to support more sustainable growing operations.

The Association is made up of members and the committee is also voluntary. The committee has a dedicated team that has driven the industries development ensuring there is a fair and level playing field in the marketing and distribution flowers in NSW. The Association has focused on ensuring that the Sydney Flower Market, which is Australia’s biggest flower market, continues to operate and provide florists with quality product at a reasonable price.

Sydney Flower Market receives product from all over Australia, and the market accommodates for both florists and the public to purchase flowers from approximately 90 growers and wholesale operations.

As most agricultural organisations have found themselves failing to respond to the needs of the members, the flower growers group accommodates, assist and otherwise provides ongoing support to the interest of Flower Growers NSW.

Written by Mr Salvatore Russo