VINELAND, NJ — Like other growers in the area, R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce/Flaim Farms is looking at a late start for its spring vegetable season, but the family-owned business is used to the occasional curve in the road.

“We had a very cold February and March, with a lot of rain, so that set us back about 14 days on the start of our leaf items,” Ryan Flaim, a fourth-generation member of the company, said May 6. “But we’re getting back to a normal schedule and everything should start picking up next week. We expect to have a great season.”

Ryan, Kevin and Bob Flaim of R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce/Flaim Farms.Flaim said the company has been working hard to meet a sustainability rating system that has been called for by some of its retail clients. As part of that system, Flaim must verify its commitment to recycling and LED lighting usage, among other things.

“It was a pretty intensive and in-depth audit, but we did quite well on it,” he said. “A lot of retailers are trying to make social responsibility a mission, and as their partner, we will do everything they ask to make that happen.”

The company, based in the hub of the Garden State’s produce district, supplies retailers almost exclusively. Bob Flaim, father of Ryan and a third-generation family member, said the about 90 percent of sales are direct to retail, which is necessary for a family farm like his to survive in today’s business environment.

“We have 43 commodities coming out of here,” he said. “We try to be more diversified and deal with the retailers directly. It makes us more appealing to them.”

Bob Flaim said that the company typically has discussions with its customers before the season to learn what they want so they can plan items and volumes accordingly. He said specialty items and peppers are in high demand now.

Ryan Flaim said the summer season would kick in around July 4-8, and the main items Flaim Farms will ship are a variety of eggplants, squashes and peppers. Over all, the company added about 10 percent more acreage this season.

The grower also maintains a stable of 14 greenhouses in which it raises its own seedlings to be planted during the season. It is in the third year of greenhouse-grown grape tomatoes and it also raises patio tomatoes, which are very popular with consumers.

“We grow the patio tomatoes until the plants are a couple of feet tall, and then consumers can take them home and have tomatoes all summer long,” said Bob Flaim.