Brightwood, VA – Brightwood, VA-based EcoTulips is pleased to announce that their company has been granted organic certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Certification confirms that the company’s import, warehousing, and sales processes meet the standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program, making EcoTulips the only supplier of organic flower bulbs in the U.S.
Co-owners Jeroen and Keriann Koeman began importing organic flower bulbs – tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths – from Holland in 2009. Sales doubled from 2010-2011 due to their highly successful Eco-Flower Bulb Fundraiser program and the 2011 introduction of their bulbs into all 40 of Whole Foods Market’s Mid-Atlantic stores.
The Koemans will expand their wholesale division this year to include additional retail stores and garden centers. “Consumer demand for organic seeds and bulbs is on the rise and EcoTulips looks forward to working with additional retailers to provide a high quality organic alternative to conventionally grown flower bulbs,” says Jeroen Koeman.
In addition to importing, the Koemans grow tulips for picking at their organic farm. Due to the warm spring, EcoTulips has moved up the dates of its 3rd annual Organic Tulip Festival. From March 24 – April 15, visitors can pick their own pesticide-free tulips at the farm while enjoying local wine, art and organic food. Families will enjoy the Eco-Super Hero Day on March 31st and Eco-Easter Egg hunt April 7th. The Rodale Institute(a non-profit dedicated to pioneering organic farming through research and outreach) will also showcase EcoTulips’ flowers at its first Organic Tulip Festival this April in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.
EcoTulips has been invited to sell their cut tulips and are pre-selling their organic bulbs at Maymont Park’s “Herbs Galore & More” event in Richmond, VA, April 28. The Koemans also are attending the April 25-26 Organic Trade Association’s Policy Conference & Hill Visit Days in Washington, D.C., with their flowers featured at several of the events.
EcoTulips will be launching their “Bee Happy” bulb mix made up of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, botanical tulips, crocus, and grape hyacinths. This mix will provide the bees with a healthy, pesticide-free pollen source from early to late spring and comes in a variety of colors. EcoTulips met with several bee keepers and handpicked this mix to ensure a show-stopping experience for bees and gardeners alike. Single varieties are available for both wholesale and retail sales at http://www.ecotulips.com.
Source: EcoTulips