Benno Dobbe, Holland America Flowers
From humble beginnings to community champion
F2V spoke to Benno about his personal history in the industry. "In 1980, my wife and I immigrated to the United States with our three kids, 10 suitcases and just enough money to start a small farm. We didn’t know anyone in Woodland WA when we started a new life basically from scratch.
"With my previous knowledge of the floral bulb industry, I knew farmers who were growing flower bulbs since the early 30s, but many weren’t in business anymore. I felt there was still a need to grow tulip bulbs and seasonal cut flowers in Woodland, and I also traveled throughout California to introduce the opportunity to grow lily cut flowers year-round to greenhouse growers.
"This practice had not been done before, so with my knowledge of storing bulbs year round, I was able to introduce a new practice within the California market. In 1986, I started our second company in Arroyo Grande California and we ship cut flowers year round ever since. My passion for farming and commitment to excellence, with the support of great management has fueled the success of our flower farms and flower fields in both states."
About the Field to Vase Dinner, he says: "I became interested in hosting a Field to Vase Dinner at Holland America Flowers after I joined the tour at a previous stop last year at Oregon Flowers. At the dinner, I felt it would be wonderful to share this experience with our community in Washington. I believe it’s a great way to show guests the attractiveness of the Field to Vase Dinner Tour and the messaging of American Grown Flowers."
And since his humble beginnings, Benno has grown to be a bit of a champion in his community. "I’m thankful that we settled in Woodland because I love my community and I find it rewarding to improve our community in many different ways. One way I want to improve Woodland is by adding a YMCA facility for all ages. Being President of the Woodland Swimming Pool Committee, I am hopeful that by 2018 we will be able to start building the Woodland YMCA facility, which will include swimming, exercise and meeting rooms."
Read the full interview at American Grown Flowers
