Meet Sussex County Grower: Hautau & Son

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 today’s 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 family’s 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 family’s 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 1920’s and 30’s 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 1950’s. 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 1970’s 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.

“There’s 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 Hautau’s continue to work toward preserving a rich heritage and cultivating a bright tomorrow.
Sussex Naturally congratulates the Hautau family for their distinct contribution to agriculture in Sussex County past, present and future.