Yakama Nation Farm. Where does your produce come from? By Maggie Jay, Staff member

The land of the Central River basin has belonged to the Yakama Nation since the beginning of time. About 4 years ago, Inaba Produce Farms changed hands to become Yakama Nation Farms. The purchase was the culmination of a century-plus partnership between Japanese immigrants and Indigenous people of the Yakama Nation, who rented affordable land to them when they were barred from buying or leasing it elsewhere.

The Yakama Nation Farm is fully tribally-owned now by the Yakama Nation. When the Inaba family decided to retire and sell the business, continuing their partnership with the Yakama Nation was the option that seemed right. Generations of successful farming practices and development of packing, shipping, cold storage facilities and skilled workers help ensure food sovereignty for the tribe.

The farming practices used by the Yakama Nation result in vibrant soil that will continue to produce quality produce for years and years. Inaba Produce Farms, now Yakama Nation Farms can be found on our produce shelves! Yakima Nation Farms now produces asparagus, bell pepper, cantaloupe, corn, watermelon, grapes, onions, squash and more. Historically our Produce Department has been able to source winter squash, melons, cukes, zukes, and some asparagus from their farm.

So when you buy produce from the Olympia Food Co-op, you may also be buying “produce” with Indigenous roots and a vision for the future; owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.” (Yakama Nation Farms)

Visit ynfarms.com to learn more and to schedule a visit to their farm!