Blossoming business platform wins state gong

AN INNOVATIVE flower business with roots in the Geelong region has earned recognition for its sustainable farming practices.

Grown Not Flown is a joint venture from growers behind Gnarwarre Flower Farm and Duck Duck Pig at Glenmore, near Bacchus Marsh.

The business is a digital platform that connects buyers with local and sustainable producers to boost small businesses.

Grown Not Flown’s model also helps reduce flower miles – which refers to the common practice of importing flowers from long distances away that results in unnecessary carbon emissions.

This month co-founder Nikki Davey won the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, which will deliver a $15,000 grant from sponsor Westpac to support the project and professional development, and have the business in the running for the national AgriFutures award later this year.

“I feel so incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be able to share our Grown Not Flown story and platform with everyone, and to help promote and raise awareness around flower miles, slow flowers and supporting local,” Ms Davey said.

“As a self-funded startup, often progress can be very slow and so this Westpac grant will be an absolute game changer for us and what we can achieve in the next 12 months.

“I’m so excited and proud to be joining an alumni community of supportive and strong women who are real change makers within their rural communities.”

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award aims to empower and celebrate the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, now and into the future.

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides these women a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia,” AgriFutures Managing Director John Harvey said.

“It’s exciting to see Nikki already making such a positive influence in her industry and community.”