The Cut Flower Podcast

Reviving the British Cut Flower Industry with Roisin Taylor

Dec 13, 2024

43:25

Text Agony Aunt Roz with your Cutflower Questions.

Hi, I’m Roz, and welcome back to The Cutflower Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back Roisin Taylor, who joins us for an insightful follow-up discussion. Earlier this year, we spoke about her Nuffield Farming Scholarship and her fascinating work on climate adaptation in the British cut flower industry. Now, we dive into her latest findings and her vision for the future of flower farming in the UK. Let’s get into it!

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode, Roisin Taylor shares her research into the resilience of the British cut flower industry amid the challenges of climate change. From storm-damaged gardens to scorching summers, her Nuffield Farming Scholarship journey revealed both vulnerabilities and opportunities in this growing sector.

We discuss her travels, including eye-opening visits to Kenyan and Dutch flower farms, lessons learned from their practices, and the troubling lack of transparency in flower production. Roisin unveils her plan to establish a British Cut Flower Association—a body to support growers, florists, and stakeholders, ensuring a sustainable and thriving industry.

Key Takeaways

Climate Change Impacts: Understanding how flooding, drought, and extreme heat are challenging the resilience of British flower farms.
The Need for Advocacy: Why the industry requires a dedicated national body to support growers, address labour issues, and drive sustainability.
Labelling and Transparency: Advocating for clearer labelling to help consumers make informed choices about the flowers they buy.
Collaboration Over Competition: How hubs, cooperatives, and community efforts could transform the supply chain and make British flowers more accessible.
Lessons from Abroad: Insights from Kenya, the Netherlands, and beyond on building a sustainable and profitable flower industry.

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