R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce/Flaim Farms looking forward to successful spring and summer
R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce/Flaim Farms looking forward to successful spring and summer
Each spring brings a new challenge for vegetable growers in the Garden State, and with a little help from Mother Nature, R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce/Flaim Farms is optimistic about its prospects for success this spring and summer.
A year after some volatile and wet weather threw New Jersey growers for a loop, the spring of 2014 has provided optimal growing conditions for the region.
"We had a lot of cold weather early this spring, which slowed down growth and volume at the beginning of the deal, but things have leveled off now," said Ryan Flaim, a fourth-generation family member.
"Quality across the board has been very nice. Our lettuces are looking exceptionally good, thanks to the warm days and cool nights we have been experiencing. It's just perfect weather for Romaine and other lettuces."
Demand for Romaine and other leaf items has been on the rise, according to Flaim, who said that the company has reacted by dedicating 20 percent more acreage to those items this year.
Flaim said that the company is in "full swing across the board" with its spring items and will start shipping its summer vegetables starting the end of June and through July.
Included in its summer roster are eggplant, summer squash and peppers.
"We maintain our high food-safety standards to secure the confidence of our customers," Flaim said of the company's commitment to providing the best quality possible. "End-users are also very aware of us being food-safety compliant as well, so we do everything possible to keep our high standards.”
R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce/Flaim Farms participates in the Jersey Fresh labeling program as well, and the farm and packing facilities are inspected by Jersey Fresh officials about once a week to make sure they meet the quality standards of that program, said Flaim.
"It's a very important program for the state, and they want to make sure what is being labeled under the 'Jersey Fresh' brand is the best quality possible," he said. "It’s a good practice and it benefits growers and consumers across the state."
Overall, it's looking like a fantastic season for the family-owned-and-operated company located in Vineland, NJ — the hub of produce in the Garden State.
"We have really outstanding quality on everything at this point, and while it's too early to predict the rest of the season, it's looking like it will be a special year," he said.
