Salinas Greenhouse Grower Honored as Best Agricultural Company

06-Feb-2011 The Salinas Californian, Griselda D. Ramirez
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20110205/NEWS01/102050322/Salinas-greenhouse-grower-honored-as-best-agricultural-company
A Salinas greenhouse grower has set itself apart from other companies in the agricultural industry through an innovative approach to business and its ability to sustain employment levels during difficult economic times, according to the Monterey County Business Council.

With more than 25 years in Salinas, Rocket Farms specializes in growing novelty orchids, poinsettias, organic and conventional herbs and vegetable plants, as well as potted flowering ornamentals.

Despite the economic downturn, Marc Clark, the executive vice president of the company, said Rocket has been growing steadily in business over the years.

"We are always looking for qualified people," Clark said. "As our business expands, we will hire more." Within the last three months, Clark said the company has hired a chief financial officer, a controller, a product development manager, a couple of growers and sales assistants.

Rocket Farms employs 420 people within Monterey County and 750 throughout the Central Coast. "We're a company with a good combination of businesses — greenhouse grower and agriculture and vegetable transplant," Clark said.

Earlier this week the Monterey County Business Council announced that it would honor Rocket Farms and its owners, Charles Kosmont and Sergio Silva, as the leading company in the agriculture category at its 15th Annual Gala & Economic Vitality Awards in Monterey Saturday evening.

"The company was chosen for its innovation, its willingness to preserve the environment and its management to sustain employment in Monterey County," said Mary Claypool, council executive director. "The company is also a good corporate citizen," Claypool said.

Clark credits Rocket Farm's success to the company's management style. "We are able to make decisions quickly when needed," Clark said. "We do not have much of a bureaucracy."

Innovation and successful product mixes have added to the success, he said. "We spend our time growing value-added products which have allowed us to be more successful," Clark said.

Rocket Farms claims to be the second largest greenhouse in California and the fourth largest in the country, as well as a leader in organic production and food safety protocol.

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