An appreciation of heritage is a hallmark of New Jersey Agriculture and
especially so for Sussex County farmers. Many of the active commercial farm
operations in Sussex County can trace their roots through the decades. Most
current generation family farmers attribute their viability to the innovation,
stewardship and values of generations past. While times and market demands
change, these established businesses continue to honor their heritage and seek
to incorporate todays technologies, trends and practices. All with an eye to
the future sustainability of their agricultural business for the next
generation.
Brian Hautau and his family exemplify this ability to adapt while honoring the
heritage of their familys fresh cut flower business. Focused on the commercial
marketplace, Brian, Kim and their son Remy are continuing the time honored
tradition of providing beautiful, high quality Jersey Grown blooms to the
commercial market- with a special emphasis on their signature flower-the Calla
Lily.
The Calla Lily itself has a rich and interesting history. Originating in South
Africa, this beautiful flower has enjoyed special historical designation, dating
as far back as ancient Rome, where the Calla Lily was cultivated and used as a
flower of celebration and a symbol of purity. Throughout history, the flower has
weathered consumer trends and ups and downs in popularity but has continued to
be a fascination of artists and a flower cherished by brides.
The Hautau familys long history with this breed of flower dates back to 1902
and is an equally interesting tale. Success in the fresh cut flower market
depends on the ability to deliver quality, fresh cut blooms at the peak of
freshness. Growers must also stay a step ahead of trends.
When the Calla Lily was incorporated into the Hautau greenhouse operation, then
located in Bergenfield, NJ, they were able to provide the market with these
exotic flowers without damaging the somewhat fragile blossoms. The flower hit a
peak of popularity in the 1920s and 30s and the Hautau Calla Lily became a
staple in the industry. Trends in the fresh cut flower industry, like many
others, change over time and for a period, the once high demand for Calla Lilys
waned.
The Hautaus refocused their energy on producing a variety of other locally grown
cut flowers which were most in demand at the time. The secret to sustainability
in this business is to be nimble and to be able to address the market
fluctuations. said Brian Hautau.
The family business moved from Bergenfield to Sussex County in the late 1950s.
By then the Calla Lily had lost some of its popular favor. Call it fate or
foresight, a few clumps of these once popular plants were dug up and moved to
the new Sussex County location. They (the Calla Lilies) were just sort of
tossed in the back-kind of an afterthought-and left to their own devices while
the business focused on producing other flowers in demand at the time. Brian
goes on to tell. “The hearty plants flourished in their new surroundings, and by
the 1970s the their popularity returned.”
Realizing the opportunity to fill market demand for the fragile blooms LOCALLY
grown, fresh Calla Lilys were once again cultivated by the Hautau family and
today remain a popular flower highly in demand in the commercial market.
Theres a lesson in this story, said Brian, We never forget our heritage,
especially the lessons of being adaptable. While the Calla Lily will always be
our signature, we continue to look for new crops to produce and energy
efficient, greener ways to produce them-whether that means incorporating solar,
wind or bio fuel into the operation. You have to stay nimble.
Brian and his wife Kim are proud to be one of the few remaining locally grown,
fresh cut flower producers in North Western New Jersey. With increasing industry
pressures, they are determined to adapt and seek ways to lead their business to
sustained success for the next generation. With their son Remy, the Hautaus
continue to work toward preserving a rich heritage and cultivating a bright
tomorrow.
The Sussex County Board of Agriculture recognized the Hautau family for their
distinct contribution to agriculture in Sussex County past, present and future.