Floriculture
A Commodity Program of the Alaska Farm Bureau. Supporting Alaska's flower farmers and the floriculture industry.
Alaska's Floriculture Community
A Commodity Program of the Alaska Farm Bureau dedicated to supporting Alaska's cut flower and ornamental floriculture industry — growers, florists, and industry partners alike.
Floriculture accounts for 40% of Alaska's total crop value by reported sales — more than hay, potatoes, and barley combined. This program is here to grow that number.
Whether you grow peonies in Homer, dahlias in Palmer, or specialty greens in Fairbanks — this program is for you. And it's included with your Farm Bureau membership at no extra cost.
Why Join?
The Floriculture Program is included with your Alaska Farm Bureau membership — no extra dues.
Connect with Your Peers
Build a statewide network of flower farmers, florists, and industry partners who share your challenges and victories. Find mentors and collaborators.Grow Your Business
Get listed in our member directory to connect with buyers. Access marketing support and participate in industry events and promotions.Learn & Level Up
Have a Voice
Access practical trainings — Alaska-specific growing tips, post-harvest handling, pricing, shipping, and more. Participate in research and field trials.Share your priorities and ideas. Suggest programs, shape advocacy topics, or raise concerns. Your input directly influences Farm Bureau policy positions.What We Do
Three pillars supporting Alaska's floriculture industry
Advocacy
We bring Alaska floriculture issues into the Farm Bureau's policy process — from freight and cold chain to labor and federal legislation. Your concerns become real policy action.
Education
Practical tools you can use right away — post-harvest handling, pricing, shipping, farm tours, and workshops tailored to Alaska's unique growing conditions.
Promotion
We promote Alaska Grown flowers to buyers and the public. Members get listed in our directory and have access to marketing support and industry events.
Upcoming Experiences
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The Floriculture Advisory Committee meets quarterly to guide program priorities and represent member interests. Check calendar above for dates.
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Educational sessions covering production techniques, post-harvest handling, marketing strategies, and industry best practices.
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Coming Soon
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Coming Soon
July 1 – August 16, 2026 | Homer, Alaska
Homer Peony Celebration
Every summer, Homer celebrates peak bloom with the Homer Peony Celebration, a community-wide series of events built around Alaska's world‑class peonies.What you'll find • A self-guided tour of public peony gardens in and around Homer (look for "City of Peonies" / "Peonies on Pioneer" signs) • Art exhibits, pop-up events, workshops, and flower sales across town • Guided peony farm tours and hands-on experiences (many require tickets or reservations)
Why it matters to Alaska floriculture Homer was designated the "City of Peonies" in 2017 and now has more than 25 peony farms. This celebration helps more Alaskans (and visitors) understand the value of Alaska-grown flowers, and it creates real sales and marketing opportunities for farms and local floral businesses. Know before you go Please book tours in advance and respect farm operations. Many farms are private working businesses and may not allow drop-in visits during harvest season. Peony Celebration HQ: The Homer Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center (often used for maps/updates) Takeaway: a statewide signature event that celebrates Alaska peonies and helps grow demand for Alaska-grown flowers.
FEDERAL ADVOCACYDon Young American Grown Act
A landmark bill that would require federal agencies to purchase American-grown flowers — opening new market doors for Alaska's growers.
Supports Local Farmers
Guarantees a government market for U.S. growers — channeling millions of federal flower-purchasing dollars to American farms instead of overseas suppliers.
Shows American Pride
Filling national buildings with homegrown blooms highlights the beauty of American agriculture — a 'Buy American' rule for flowers.
Keeps Money in the U.S.
When federal offices buy American-grown flowers, tax dollars stay in the local economy, strengthening farming communities across the country.
Especially Meaningful for Alaska
Alaska's cool climate produces world-class peonies that bloom when no one else can. This act creates new federal market opportunities for Alaska's unique growing window.
Current Industry Priorities
Issues our members are working to solve right now
Freight reliability and cost
Labor and seasonal workforce
Regulatory friction and red tape
Cold storage and infrastructure
Season extension energy costs
Certified American Grown Alignment
We align with Certified American Grown to strengthen promotion of American-grown flowers and support Alaska growers with national credibility and visibility.
Leadership
This program is led by the Floriculture Advisory Committee (FAC), which guides priorities, plans activities, and represents the program inside Farm Bureau. The committee consists of one delegate from each of Alaska Farm Bureau's seven chapters: Fairbanks, Delta, Mat-Su, Copper River Valley, North Kenai, South Kenai, and Kodiak.
Keep the program active and useful
Leadership focus:
Listen to growers and stakeholders statewide
Turn issues into action (education, promotion, and advocacy)
Floriculture Advisory Committee
Ron Illingworth
Fairbanks Chapter (Chair)
Fairbanks
Chapter Delegate
North Kenai Chapter
North Kenai
Chapter Delegate
Delta Chapter
Delta
Chapter Delegate
South Kenai Chapter
South Kenai
Misty VanderWeele
Mat-Su Chapter
Mat-Su Valley
Chapter Delegate
Kodiak Chapter
Kodiak
Chapter Delegate
Copper River Valley Chapter
Copper River Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. If you're serious about cut flowers in Alaska, you belong here.
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No. Peonies are the flagship crop, but this program supports all cut flowers and bouquet crops.
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No. Join the list and participate when you can. Alaska seasons are busy.
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No. It's part of your AKFB membership.
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We identify real issues and help move them through AKFB's normal process. The committee advises; AKFB leadership sets official positions.
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Yes—if you support Alaska-grown cut flowers and want the industry to succeed.
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Visit alaskafb.org to join Alaska Farm Bureau. Once you're a member, you can sign up for the Floriculture Program at no additional cost.
Ready to Get Involved?
Join Alaska's floriculture community. Connect with growers, access resources, and help shape the future of the industry.