Photo courtesy of J Bowen

We are a family owned and operated business, committed to providing the freshest, highest quality green beans in the industry! C&E Farms processes more than 750,000 bushels of beans annually We have a partnership with 45 growers, on 4000 acres from Florida to Pennsylvania, We have packing facilities in Parrish, Florida and Cheriton, Virginia. USDA GAP Certified (Good Agricultural Practices) certified from the field to the cooler. Photo courtesy of J Bowen

Who is C&E Farms? C&E Farms was established in 1986 by Phil Colson and Lester Erlemeier in Cheriton, Virginia. These two men were the pioneers of hydro-cooling green beans, setting a new industry standard. Their innovation, along with a dedication to quality and service, have made Red Barn Label beans a top choice. Phil’s sons Bob and Mark have carried on the values that have made C&E Farms great. Which has allowed them to become one of the largest Grower Packer Shippers of green beans in the country.

Our Process A planting schedule is set up over multiple regions with the goal of having consistent supply for 8 months. Once the beans have reached maturity they are machine harvested and hauled to our packing facility. The green beans are graded to remove any foreign material, broken beans, or defects. Beans are then hydro-cooled and packaged. The green beans are then sold and shipped to buyers up and down the East Coast.

Quality Control Photos courtesy of J Bowen Great employees and detailed training make our inspectors conscientious of our customers’ need for quality. C&E Farms sets itself apart by using custom made machinery and computerized optical sorters in its grading process. Each lot is audited at periodic intervals to assure a USDA Grade A or better is achieved. Our quality control process allows us to achieve a marketable product even from fields with marginal quality.

Hydro-Cooling Photo courtesy of J Bowen After grading, all of our green beans are hydro- cooled and maintained at forty degrees. This process takes out the field heat providing a higher quality, better tasting product and a longer shelf life.

Timely Delivery Photo courtesy of J Bowen C&E Farms has its own fleet of trucks dedicated to delivering to our customers. C&E drivers constantly monitor green bean temperature to assure that the cold chain is maintained. We can accommodate our customers delivery needs, assuring timely delivery of the highest quality green beans.

Why C&E Grows in Multiple Regions Each region has been selected based on having soils ideal for growing green beans and the availability of irrigation. Every region has its ideal time for growing green beans. This is due to seasonal weather patterns such as temperature, humidity and rainfall. By matching up ideal growing regions with the best seasonal conditions, we can provide good quality and consistent supply throughout the season. Photos courtesy of J Bowen

Varieties Green Beans Photos courtesy of J Bowen Yellow Wax Beans KY Beans We work with plant breeders and researchers to select the best varieties for each growing area. A variety has to have the right shape, size, color, shelf life, stress tolerance and yield.

What are we looking for. Growers with experience growing row crops or vegetables Growers should have between 30 and 100 acres they can commit to the program Planting date ranges are from May 15 to July 15 Land equipped with irrigation Pivots are preferred Hard hose is acceptable if the grower feels they have the resources to apply water in a timely manner. Growers should recognize the value of diversifying their crops.

Benefits of Growing with C&E Farms We are growers ourselves whom have dirt under our finger nails No specialized equipment needed to grow Fast payouts, means better cash flow early on in the season Ordering large volumes of seed allows us to negotiate for better prices, consistent seed counts, and higher germination rates. Theses savings are passed on to the grower The planting schedule is set up to keep gluts of product being harvested at one time, creating a more stable market We sell to the top buyers and companies in the produce industry The ability to go to processors with beans if necessary Being a partner with C&E Farms means the risk is shared. If we don’t harvest you don’t pay for the seed If green beans have to go process C&E does not take a percentage We have never sent a grower a bill Hassel free food safety policy $14.85 Average Price/Bushel on a 4 year average

C&E Farms Responsibilities Fronting seed to grower Planting schedule Determine time of planting Arranging scouting Collection and testing of water samples Arranging harvesting Determine time of harvesting Arranging hauling from field Packing labor Packing machinery Crates/packaging Sales Accounts payable Accounts receivable Food safety policy Food safety cost Paying grower in days from harvest

Grower Responsibilities Land rent Land preparation Growing equipment Fertilizer Planting per schedule Spraying herbicide, pesticide, fungicide Insect/weed control Irrigation Growing cost Seed cost at settlement Scouting cost (50%) Water testing cost (50%) Growing crop to the best of grower’s ability Following grower portion of C&E Farms Food Safety Policy

Why the Split? A 50/50 split is sales based not package based When compared to custom packing operations our program gives growers a higher return on lower sales prices

Cost of Growing Green Beans Variables such as soil moisture, insect and disease pressure will factor into your cost per acre Average cost of growing green beans is $700/ acre (seed and land rent 60%) Cost such as fuel for equipment and irrigation is not included in estimate

What GAP Means for The Grower Most requirements of the farm audit are handled by C&E to make it as easy as possible for the grower Growers food safety requirements. Field Selection Assessment Report Half the fee for the water sample

In Conclusion You don’t grow for C&E, you grow with C&E No specialized equipment needed to grow day payout Hassle free GAP program Customized precision machinery means consistent pack out and grade. Risk is shared. It is a partnership. Win-win or lose-lose Sales to top buyers and companies in the produce industry