Anyone who is touched by the flower industry can appreciate a flower farmers’ dedication to implementing sustainable growing practices that respect surrounding ecosystems, reduce transportation footprints, and conserve water and energy. It’s their goal to put local, sustainably grown American flowers front and center with consumers, retailers and wholesalers. They are proud of the bounty and beauty they bring into homes, special events and life’s celebrations.
Their Story
Mel Resendiz came from a struggling farm family, and his journey to success is truly the American dream. Although he started out small, he worked hard year after year to become a successful business owner. At age 14, Mel left his home and journeyed to Sinaloa, Mexico, where he started his farming career cutting sugarcane and picking cotton. That job taught him a lot about hard work and dependability. Within a few months he went from cutting and picking to supervising an entire crew. After spending five years in Sinaloa, at age 18 and $70 in his pocket, Mel made the decision to move to the United States. He started working for Zorro Protea Farms, which developed the first commercial Protea nursery in northern San Diego county. This was Mel’s introduction to the Protea floral family and by 1988 he had been promoted to farm manager.
Mel Resendiz came from a struggling farm family, and his journey to success is truly the American dream. Although he started out small, he worked hard year after year to become a successful business owner. At age 14, Mel left his home and journeyed to Sinaloa, Mexico, where he started his farming career cutting sugarcane and picking cotton. That job taught him a lot about hard work and dependability. Within a few months he went from cutting and picking to supervising an entire crew. After spending five years in Sinaloa, at age 18 and $70 in his pocket, Mel made the decision to move to the United States. He started working for Zorro Protea Farms, which developed the first commercial Protea nursery in northern San Diego county. This was Mel’s introduction to the Protea floral family and by 1988 he had been promoted to farm manager.
Certification
Today, Mel is part of the growing community of Certified American Grown farmers. This community is a diverse group of flower farmers across the country that specialize in homegrown flowers and foliage. This means if you purchase flowers from a Certified American Grown farmer, you are guaranteed to know the American origin of the flowers and foliage. Certified American Grown stands for the high quality you desire, while putting an emphasis on the importance of supporting American farmers. This is achieved by following specific sustainability standards during flower production. Resendiz Brothers is also certified by BloomCheck, which is a sustainability Standard for the floral industry.
Why Certify
When Mel and team began to actively manage their environmental footprint within their farming practices, they realized the first order of business was a mindset change. They grew up in a world where energy and materials were assumed to be unlimited. Changing wasteful behavior requires a conscious effort. Today, it’s impossible to be a successful farmer without the same qualities required by sustainability: thriftiness, efficiency and a respect for the land.
Anyone who is touched by the flower industry can appreciate a flower farmers’ dedication to implementing sustainable growing practices that respect surrounding ecosystems, reduce transportation footprints, and conserve water and energy. It’s their goal to put local, sustainably grown American flowers front and center with consumers, retailers and wholesalers. They are proud of the bounty and beauty they bring into homes, special events and life’s celebrations.
WFCF Storybit Video on Resendiz Brothers – now that you’ve read about their story, be sure to watch Mel tell his own story!
Visit Resendiz Brothers online, and you can even order from them directly at The Protea Store.
Certified American Grown
BloomCheck Sustainability Standard
Where Food Comes From