Partnerships
RAC's Relationship with Partners
RAC has always believed that the relationships they build with their partners are built on the foundation of the company’s core values. The company supplies their partners with knowledge, information, and experience from not only a cultivation point of view, but also from a financial standpoint. RAC stresses that they provide proven, valuable information for the partners, however that they never coerce any of the partners into situations with which they disagree. It has always been the policy to treat partners as equity owners.
Why Choose to be a Partner with RAC?
Years of farming has produced numerous relationships with landowners, bankers and other industries that are important pieces in the farming process. For farmers who look to expand into the berry industry, RAC provides invaluable relationships and services to every partner that typically would not be able to do so.
Due to the company’s history in different geographic areas, it offers a wide knowledge base. This knowledge base is always available to partners who are looking to gain insight on different locations and cultural practices.
RAC has three full-time employees whose purposes are to provide the partners with business finance, planning, organizational structure and administrative options. This dedicated team has built a strong relationship amongst the partnerships and is always finding new ways to better improve their services.
Partnership Success Story
Chuy has established himself as one of the most successful and important partners in the RAC organization. Chuy started in 1982 as a picker, and twenty-four years later he is one of the top producers not only for RAC but for the entire Driscoll’s organization. RAC has always been impressed with Chuy’s accomplishments as a grower, but more importantly his actions and words are a living example of RAC’s dedication to the company values. RAC interviewed him to discuss his partnership with the company.
RAC: In what ways has RAC’s partnership program helped you get where you are now?
Chuy: First and foremost, I would not have a company without RAC’s partnership program, they were extremely important to my business in the first couple years. Their information, knowledge, and suggestions are constantly helping me in my business. Now, I have 300 acres and am one of the best strawberry growers in the region.
RAC: What do you think are some of the keys to your success in the strawberry industry?
Chuy: Like many of the current growers, I grew up around the berry industry. I have been in nearly every single job position that has to do with berries. I have a broad base of knowledge. Furthermore, because I have worked in the fields, as a picker, truck driver, irrigator, etc. I can relate and listen to what they have to say.
RAC: What would you say to future partners?
Chuy: You are about to join one of the best companies around. RAC makes a big effort in trying help and aid you, and will never hang you out to dry. They stick by their word.
RAC: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Chuy: I want to be the first partnership to have operations in both Mexico and the United States. I am constantly looking for different areas to expand my business, the sky is the limit.
RAC: How do you view your competition, and what, if any, effects does it have on your business?
Chuy: In all honesty, I think that we are on a whole different level. In regards to berries, no one can beat our taste, appearance, quality, and overall presentation. Even if we have an extremely successful year we are always looking at ways to improve our business and berries