"It came down to the right fit as the products and the farms blend so well into our existing product lines and what we do," says Jim Milgard, owner, and CEO at Continental Floral Greens, when referring to the recent announcement that his company is leasing Sun Valley Floral Farms' Willow Creek, California farms. We interviewed Milgard to learn more about this news.
Jim Milgard, CEO at Continental Floral Greens
A planned process
Milgard highlights that this partnership was not established overnight, as it follows six years of talks between him and Lane DeVries, the founder of Sun Valley Flower Farms.
Milgard: "Lane and I have been friends for a long time. As Lane was working on a retirement plan, we started talks years ago in 2018. He preferred to sell his farms to an industry partner to ensure his legacy would be continued."
Milgard also points out that some farms will be closed, and some products will not be available: "Many farms in California have been decreasing in acreage and/or in the number of floral varieties they grow. We are not taking over the entire Sun Valley operation as many of the crops they produced are not ones we feel we can farm cost-effectively and offer the market a superior product. We are taking on some staff members to help us with the products we will continue with, such as Cotinus, Snowberry, Ilex and Rose Hips. We are currently producing these products at our Oregon location and have experience with them." 
Ilex
Upholding a legacy
In the early 1990s, Lane DeVries established Sun Valley Floral Farms to produce lilies, tulips, irises, and other bulb flowers. Over the years he expanded his business activities in Oregon and California and added more products. At Continental Floral Greens, they set themselves the task of continuing his legacy in the crops they feel comfortable producing.
Lane DeVries
"We are honored to continue his legacy, as the variety of products from Willow Creek Farms are premium offerings that have been highly sought after. Especially the Ilex and rose hips, which are among the varieties Lane developed. We had already purchased and planted some of Lane's superior Ilex varieties at our Oregon location. There is a significant market for these varieties across the U.S., and they are indispensable to the industry, meeting the demands of both wholesalers and retailers. Lane will continue with the company in a consultancy role, contributing to the growth and enhancement of our products at all locations," Milgard explains.
Sun Valley Floral Farms in Willow Creek, California
Creating a company for future generations
Jim also believes these leases fit into the ethos of Continental Floral Greens. "This is a significant step for us. Acquisition is part of our DNA. It will help our customers grow, and stand out in the retail market."
Moreover, Milgard emphasizes that his company is in it for the long term, saying: "Our purpose is to build an Evergreen company that lasts for generations to come."
He adds that this approach reflects his leadership style, which focuses on making a positive social impact while promoting sustainability.
Mt. St. Helens Tree farm in Washington.
"The business started with a love for nature, and when my business got bigger it developed to include a love for people. I want to positively impact the lives of my employees and customers. To achieve this, we need healthy and sustainable products. In this way, the business can be passed on to the next generations."
For more information: 
Continental Floral Greens
www.cfgreens.com