"This situation reminds me of the fire we had in 2007, which destroyed 80 percent of our crop. We were devastated, but it brought us closer together and we got through it", says Jason Kendall, owner of Kendall Farms. Just like all other growers, this California flower grower is severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Fortunately, things are now picking up with orders coming in for Mother's Day and even after. He told his story at the PMA Virtual Town Hall meeting* yesterday.
Sales down 80%
It all started on Friday the 13th of March, explains Jason, but got worse on March 19 when the governor announced the stay home order. Fortunately, the floral industry in the state was considered as "essential", but sales dropped by 80 percent, Kendall Farms had to cut their labor by 60%. "It felt like we were back in 2007 again, where we lost 80% of our crop due to a fire."
Picture: Jason Kendall
PPP loan
With the fire in mind and the fact that they got through that difficult period as well, they never thought of giving up. "We immediately applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and the day we got funded, we were back", he says.
An impression of the farm (video published in 2015)
Orders increasing
Jason now sees things picking up again. "For March and April, we are down 45%, but orders starting to come in at full speed. We're getting orders for Mother's Day and even after. We anticipate to be down 30% for the remainder of the year."
Jason is optimistic and expect that flowers are more needed this Mother's Day than ever before. "People need floral and we can help."
For more information
Kendall Farms
Jason Kendall
Email: [email protected]
www.kendall-farms.com
*Eager to join the PMA Virtual Town Hall next week, on April 29? Click here to register.