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Flower farmer, tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Grown Not Flown, Nikki Davey has been named the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Winner for her work in creating a digital platform and app connecting flower farmers and consumers, globally.
Announced by Agriculture Minister Murray Watt during a black tie gala dinner at Canberra’s Parliament House on Tuesday evening, Ms Davey said it was a huge honour to receive the award.
"I am immensely grateful to AgriFutures and Westpac for believing in my vision to promote and raise awareness around flower miles, slow flowers and supporting local farmers," Ms Davey said.
"We have so many exciting plans and this award will be an absolute game changer for us and what we can achieve in the next 12 months."
Based at Glenmore in the Rowsley Valley near Bacchus Marsh - one of Victoria’s largest food bowls - the self-described ‘eternal hobbyist’ was motivated by her own experience as a new flower farmer to resolve the common problems and pain points experienced by growers through technology.
What started out as a passion project during Covid, has now morphed into an online platform and app connecting flower farmers and consumers, globally.
Grown Not Flown now boasts over 1100 flower farms listed on their global map, and users in over 30 different countries.
“With the additional $20,000 Westpac grant, we can invest this money into further developing the platform to reach new audiences," Ms Davey said.
"We also want to educate and encourage consumers to celebrate the provenance of flowers, the same way we do with food, and raise awareness around flower miles, slow flowers and benefits of supporting local businesses."
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey congratulated Ms Davey on her achievements in creating a global digital platform that supports rural and regional communities.
“Through the innovation of Grown Not Flown, Nikki has delivered an exciting new model to connect consumers, boost local economies and encourage sustainable purchasing decisions," he said.
"Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to transforming the cut flower industry is highly commendable and a true embodiment of the award’s key objectives.”
Mr Harvey also congratulated 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award national runner up, Conductor artistic director and founder of Moorambilla Voices, Michelle Leonard who received an additional $15,000 Westpac grant.
Ms Davey and Ms Leonard were chosen from an impressive cohort, which included:
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Founder of Bush Devine, Ali Paulett, Clare Valley, SA
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Entrepreneur and founder of Huds and Toke, Emma Gibbons, Coolum, QLD
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Facilitator and founder of Leading Rein, Melissa Duniam, Sisters Creek, TAS
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Counsellor and founder of Grief Connect, Michelle Moriarty, Bunbury, WA
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Sustainability advocate and co-founder of NTEX, Eileen Breen, Girraween, NT
Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award are now open and will close on October 25, 2023 (January 26, 2024 for NT applicants).
