R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce overcoming challenges in early spring
R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce overcoming challenges in early spring
An unusual spring weather pattern has led to a challenging season so far for R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce, based in Vineland, NJ. But things are starting to even out and the firm expects to have a strong season the rest of the way.
Ryan Flaim, a fourth-generation member of the family that grows and markets a full line of vegetables produced in the Garden State, said the spring season was delayed by about 20 days across the board.
But other producing areas up and down the East Coast had weather issues as well, he said, so New Jersey was not alone in dealing with a late start and periodic supply gaps.
“For us, it was a very abnormal spring,” said Flaim. “March and April were colder than normal, and with the rains, we really couldn’t get out in the field to plant when we wanted to. Also, it was a very labor-intensive season since we had to cover the crops with remay, a protective crop blanket, which we had to remove and replace each time we fertilized. So there was a lot that went into producing our spring crops.”
Flaim said that despite the “hiccups” during the spring, things are starting to normalize.
“The lettuces and greens look great right now,” he said. “The weather conditions have been perfect, with days in the mid-70s followed by cool nights. And the markets have been favorable lately. It was a roller coaster ride early on, but we seem to have hit a plateau with good growing conditions.”
Flaim said the summer crops, like zucchini, summer squash, eggplant and peppers, “are all looking really nice so far, and we should have a great season with those.”
He said that product is labeled with the “Jersey Fresh” seal on each box, which helps promote the Garden State as many area consumers look to buy local product.
