Rocket Farms Buys Pajaro Valley Greenhouses

California grower Rocket Farms in Salinas has purchased nearby Pajaro Valley Greenhouses in Watsonville.

Rocket Farms is one of the nation’s leading potted plant growers, specializing in poinsettias, orchids, mums calla lilies and tropical foliage. One key orchid customer is www.proflowers.com. The company also produces more than 1 billion vegetable plugs and has a certified organic production facility in Salinas. Additional facilities are in Gustine and Nipomo.

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Founded by Danish immigrant Arne Thirup, Pajaro Valley Greenhouses (PVG) was one of the largest remaining fresh cut flower growers in California, specializing in roses, gerbera and stephanotis. Thirup also was one of Greenhouse Grower’s early honorees as Grower of the Year for his activism supporting fair trade in cut flowers. He also was inducted into the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) Floriculture Hall of Fame in 2001.

In a recent interview with SAF, Thirup commented on his decision to sell the business after 45 years. “We just decided it was time,” he said. “I’ll be 80, so it’s time to move on.”

Through the acquisition, Rocket Farms will gain PVG’s 25-acre complex of greenhouses, administrative offices and shipping facilities in the Pajaro Valley, creating room for it’s expanding blooming potted plant business.

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“What PVG represents to us is a long-term strategic value,” says Marc Clark, vice president of Rocket Farms. “This acquisition not only helps us in our expansion efforts, but it also gives us the opportunity to become an integral part of the Pajaro valley’s culturally rich and diverse agricultural business community.”

Other advantages include a coastal climate, which helps with temperature control.

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