Cape Cod Native Plants Growers’ Cooperative

Background

Thanks to the many voices in the native plant movement, we’ve seen an increase in the public’s awareness of the benefits of native plants in our landscapes, together with ecologically friendly land care practices. And just as we hoped, the demand for native plants in the marketplace has risen, and surpasses the supply.

Our experience is that the current supply of native plants to local nurseries is limited in the variety of species. Often the “native” selection includes plants that are not species native to our region. Plants are largely grown in another part of the country, contributing to a big carbon footprint, and, as we’ve seen in the horticultural trade, pose a risk by spreading non-native pests and pathogens.

Taking the lead from “buy local” relative to food security, we feel there are benefits to local growing to satisfy the demand for native plants. Inspired by other organizations, such as ReSeeding Rhode Island, the Wild Seed Project, and the Native Plant Trust, this program endeavors to help grow a local horticultural trade that can contribute to our Cape economy and supply quality local native plants for the homeowner, the ecolandscape contractor, and those professionals who undertake ecosystem restoration projects.

By engaging the Cape’s farming community and inspiring new growers, this program can serve as an avenue to connect our Cape residents to the land, support land stewardship, keep dollars local, and build community.

Goals and Objectives

This program aims to supply Cape Cod with locally grown native plants, to fulfill the following needs:

• Meet the public demands on a residential or restoration scale.
• Increase the diversity of available plant species.
• Support our local agricultural communities.
• Contribute to our local economy.

To ensure that participating growers in this program can achieve economic success, APCC will offer resources, workshops, connections to seed suppliers, brand development and promotion, technical support in business plan development and will identify sales outlets such as local retail nurseries and farmers’ markets.

Funding for the project is provided by Barnstable County and its Economic Development Council License Plate Grant Program through the Cape Cod Commission.

Get Notified

To receive emails with program updates and workshop announcements sign up below.

Sign up Form

Interested in being part of this program, or just wanting to learn more? Tell us about who you are and your interests. For more information, you may email GrowersCoop@apcc.org.