Adrian Roozen grew up on a family flower bulb farm in the Skagit Valley, where they specialized in fresh-cut tulips, daffodils, irises, green peas, and wheat and barley. Adrian then attended WSU and studied agronomy. He put his education to good use by becoming a soil fumigation consultant and then a tree-fruit and technology consultant with Wilbur-Ellis. Adrian now works for Lawrence Enterprises in Royal City, where he focuses primarily on agronomy and horticulture to grow quality apples, cherries, and wine grapes. He manages compliance with good safety and organic guidelines, as well as the health and safety of farm workers (including about 150 H-2A workers). According to Adrian, managing risk is just as important as growing a quality, safe food product. In today’s world, integrating the farming side of an operation together with a person’s knowledge, skills, and voice is what helps a business run successfully.
