In local farming, growing begins with a vision and then in and with the soil. The Seattle Growers Market (SGM) is an example of small-scale farmers cultivating their selling power through their Cooperative in a healthy way, just like they grow their plants. Founded in 2011 by local flower growers with a shared vision, this group established a producer-cooperative that has become integrated into the economic landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Nineteen flower farmers now bring their harvests, spring cherry blossoms, dahlias in summer, and autumn’s fiery branches, to a warehouse where florists and wholesalers shop for flowers grown in the region.
LEAF first worked with Seattle Growers Market in 2018, providing capital that enabled the cooperative to relocate to a more suitable space and location. LEAF knew the signs of a healthy business: strong roots, vigorous growth, and the stewardship of experienced hands. Now, as the Seattle Growers’ Cooperative approaches a new season, it’s investing in refrigeration infrastructure to preserve flowers from field to store.
A long-time flower grower and co-op member, Diane Szukovathy of Jello Mold Farm said, “It can be difficult for producer cooperatives to build up the credit to get financing from traditional banks because our not-for-profit business model is unfamiliar to many, but not LEAF. LEAF provided a working capital loan that enabled us to make capital investments and to bridge winter cash-flow shortfalls before we could build our reserves. As we have grown, LEAF has continued to partner with us.”
Being a cooperative means making decisions that may benefit the Market Cooperative but may not necessarily benefit each individual farmer. The farmer-owners discuss how to be fair, knowing that some have larger farms and have been part of the Co-op longer. Ultimately, a cooperative of small farmers enables growers to work together to access resources that are typically affordable only to larger farms, such as refrigerated trucks, a large warehouse, and a wider selection of crops.
LEAF bolsters a mutually beneficial economy, where businesses preserve beauty for longer, growers prosper, and cooperatives help small-scale growers thrive. 