More than 70% of Finger Lakes flower farms use organic methods, inspiring eco-friendly weddings and local florist partnerships.

That statistic comes from Farmonaut, a Wilmington, Del.-based agricultural technology company dedicated to revolutionizing farming practices. Its comprehensive suite of tools empowers stakeholders across the agricultural ecosystem, including farmers, and agricultural businesses. Farmonaut develops an integrated platform for data-driven decision-making in farming operations.

It looks at various agricultural-related businesses across the world and recently studied the flower industry in the Finger Lakes. https://farmonaut.com/usa/sustainable-flower-farming-7-inspiring-finger-lakes-success-stories.

“As members of an ever-growing, passionate movement, we are constantly inspired by the transformative journeys taken by sustainable flower farmers,” according the blog post. “Nowhere is this energy more palpable than in New York’s Finger Lakes, a landscape renowned for its stunning lakes, rolling vineyards, and a tight-knit community of innovative floral growers.”

Farmonaut points out that the Finger Lakes isn’t just a renowned wine destination — it’s fast emerging as the heartland of sustainable flower farming. “Here, local flower farms and farmer-florists commit themselves to environmentally-friendly growing, championing seasonal cut flowers, and delivering unparalleled beauty to weddings, florists, CSA (community supported agriculture) members, and events across New York,” according to the blog.

Here’s what Farmonaut says makes the region special:

  • Rich Soils & Diverse Microclimates: The glacial history and proximity to lakes have created fertile, well-drained soils ideal for a variety of seasonal cut flowers.
  • Tourist Destination: With nearly 150 wineries and world-class destination wedding venues, the region welcomes thousands of couples and visitors seeking natural beauty.
  • Strong Community Spirit: Local support for domestic flower farms fosters collaboration — connecting growers, florists, planners, and event hosts.
  • Sustainability Mindset: From organic practices to community supported agriculture flowers, innovation thrives here, protecting the environment while supporting rural livelihoods.

Growers who practice sustainable practices are redefining flower farming in the Finger Lakes. One of them featured in the blog is Sydney Fee, who owns Fee, Fi, Fo Farm in Campbell, Steuben County.

She is not only a farmer-florist; she’s an event planner at a sustainable winery, a passionate educator, and an industry advocate. Armed with a background in sustainable hospitality and tourism, Fee brings event magic and a heart for the land to her floral enterprise, according to Farmonaut.

  • Her farm model: Growing on a tight, intensively-managed 1,500-square-foot cutting garden and partnering with a nearby B&B, she maximizes every inch to serve CSA members, weddings, and planners seeking eco-friendly blooms.
  • Community Impact: In just five years, Sydney’s dedication to sustainability, education, and public advocacy has inspired new domestic flower farms to emerge in the region.
  • Signature Practices: Composting, rainwater catchment, pollinator habitat planting, educational open gardens, and seasonally-curated flower varieties for every New York wedding celebration.

Other practices used by flower growers in the region include: using no-till beds, green manures, beneficial insect habitats, growing vibrant ranunculus, anemones, and native wildflowers for local florists and DIY couples seeking eco-conscious wedding flowers, farmer-led soil classes, using rainwater harvesting systems to reduce well usage, having “pollinator pathways” that inspire visitors and support declining bee and butterfly populations.

One of the most powerful aspects of sustainable flower farming is the focus on seasonal cut flowers. In the Finger Lakes, this approach connects directly to nature’s rhythms, supports biodiversity, and provides truly stunning arrangements for local events and public celebrations.

It reduces the carbon footprint by minimizing transport, with flowers grown and delivered locally, and the Farmonaut story stresses, every purchase keeps resources circulating in the region.

“With every seed sown, every bouquet crafted, and every wedding celebrated, local flower growers are redefining what it means to support sustainability in our communities,” the blog concludes.

For more information about Farmonaut, go to farmonaut.com. The information for this story was provided by Farmonaut and used with permission.