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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 51 naturally flowing schedule that growers and florists can use to estimate output and logistical needs. Additionally, the CSA model provides an opportunity, through tracking, to reduce over-planting and over-harvesting, ensuring that stems can be sold at full price. Farmer-florist Sarah Gainey, owner of e Rookery Flower Farm + Floral Design in Seattle, Wash., who recently added a CSA to her business, shared the benefits her small farm has seen by adopting this business model in addition to her other income streams. "One benefit of starting a flower CSA has been the predictable and consistent work it provides. Weeks in advance, I know who needs flowers and when and where they need them," she notes. "I love knowing what each week is going to look like far in advance. Having a CSA eliminates the guesswork and speculation." Providing a steady and predictable record of sales, with advance payment, provides flower farmers a leg up on the next season, but to Gainey, that isn't the best part. In singing the praises of CSA business models, Gainey shares that her favorite part, and the benefit she values most, is getting to know her customers on a personal level through repeat, long-term patronage, which builds brand loyalty. "My CSA relationships have been incredibly important to me. I started my business during the height of the COVID pandemic, when we all were practicing social distancing." Sarah says that while isolation was everywhere and flowers were faltering, her business set deep roots and built relationships that, today, have grown into a network of repeat customers, referrals and entire plots of flowers that are sold in advance. When assessing if a flower CSA is right for your business, it is important to first understand that it requires a strong commitment to consistency, which may not be the right choice for every flower business. However, for farmers or florists ready to take the jump and create a full-season subscription or a short-run share such as a three-week peony CSA, the potential for growth is great. For those looking to get in on the CSA fun but with less upfront commitment of soft resources, a popular choice is to collaborate with an existing produce CSA through a farm or co-op in their areas. When they are successful, flower CSAs offer numerous benefits, including predictable revenue, strong customer loyalty, new opportunities to collaborate, enhanced resource management and risk mitigation. Do you have a CSA? Florists' Review would love to learn about it. Share your CSA experience on social media @florists_review. IS A CSA RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS? Holly Chapple, Hope Flower Farm

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