Flower farmers see their business struggle during pandemic

SEATTLE — Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it hasn’t been very rosy for the state’s flower farmers who have seen their business plummet during the pandemic.

When Washington issued a stay -at -home order and farmers markets were forced to shut down, flower farmers were crushed.

“That's when our tulips and daffodils were just starting to bloom. Because of that, we weren't really prepared for how to handle that,” Michaela Vue said.

Vue's family owns Gaia's Harmony Farm.

Her grandparents are Hmong and came to the U.S. in 1979. The Hmong have a storied history. They're an ethnic group from Southeast Asia who fought with the C-IA during the Vietnam War. After coming to the U.S. as refugees, they planted roots and have been selling flowers at Pike Place Market since 1982.

Their farm is one of more than 80 farms run by Hmong and Mien flower farmers in the state who suddenly had nowhere to sell their goods.

“It's definitely been frustrating for my mom and grandparents because they're the ones on the farm watching the flowers just die. Or not being able to pick them fast enough, not being able to sell them fast enough even if picked,” Vue added.

Farmers markets reopened, but flower farmers haven't been given the OK to return.

There's been a rallying call to help the farmers. Some businesses are partnering and offering their space. People are doing what they can.

“I've committed to just be a vehicle for a makeshift marketplace until the market opens up. And as long as I can keep the wheels on,” said Tara Clark.

Clark calls herself a "human connectivity conservationist." She planted the seed six weeks ago with an order for 50 dozen flowers. She quickly sold out. Her concept blossomed. Now, she's up to 13,000 dozen sold totaling $265,000 -— all going back to more than 40 farmers.

“This was never about doing something big ever, just about helping my friends. And really why it's worked is because other friends showed up, and they keep showing up,” Clark added.

Vue's family is still trying to figure out the best way to sell their flowers. They've had to transition to social media where people can order for pick up or delivery.

Mother's Day is one of their biggest days. Orders have picked up, but they're still trying to play catch-up from the time lost during the early stages of the pandemic.

“It means so much. Even though all of this is happening, to have the community recognize we’re a big part of the community and have their support through this,” Vue said.

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