Proudly farming in the Skagit Valley since 1935
Burlington, Washington USA
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About Us
A History of Farming and Family.
Sakuma Brothers Farms and Processing, based in northwest Washington, is a recognized leader in berry production, packing, and processing.
The Sakuma family’s journey began in 1907, when Takeo Sakuma left Kyushu, Japan, for America, settling on Bainbridge Island, Washington. There, he established a farm and quickly earned a reputation for growing high-quality strawberries. In 1914, Takeo married Nobu Sakuma, and together they built a thriving farm and a growing family.
The second generation—the Nisei—began with the birth of their eldest son, Atsusa, in 1916, followed by Akira, Takashi, Shinobu, Milton, Isaac, Satoru, Shun, and daughters Lillian and Lucy. These early years laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational farming legacy.
Current Sakuma Family Members. L to R: Glenn Sakuma, Ryan Sakuma, Bryan Sakuma & Richard Sakuma
From Bainbridge to Burlington.
In the 1930s, a Seattle processor recognized the fertile soil of Skagit Valley, near Burlington, Washington, as an ideal location for growing strawberries. Acting on this advice, Atsusa Sakuma moved to Burlington in 1937 after graduating from high school to establish the family's berry farming operations. He was soon joined by his younger brothers—Akira in 1938, Shinobu in 1940, and Isaac in 1941—marking the beginning of Sakuma Brothers Farm. During this time, the family farmed on McCorquedale Road and rented land from Chris Knutzen on the east side of Burlington Blvd., known as Old Highway 99.
By 1941, the four eldest Sakuma brothers were farming in Burlington, while the rest of the family remained on Bainbridge Island. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, everything changed. The Sakuma family was forcibly removed and sent to internment camps. The family members on Bainbridge Island were among the first to be sent to Manzanar, California, on March 30, 1942. Just months later, in June 1942, the brothers in Burlington were relocated to Tule Lake, over 500 miles away, further dividing the family.
Despite their family being interned and facing discrimination, three of the eight Sakuma sons served in the renowned 442nd Infantry Regiment in Europe, while three others served with the Military Intelligence Service (MIS).
After the war, in 1945, the Sakuma family had lost their property and belongings on Bainbridge Island. They relocated permanently to Burlington, where their farm had been cared for by the Oscar Mapes family—an act of kindness the Sakumas have never forgotten.
This painful chapter in American history found some closure in 1988, when President Ronald Reagan signed an act of Congress issuing a formal apology and a symbolic payment to families who had been interned during the war.
By 1947, the family purchased their first Skagit Valley property on McCorquedale Road, later known as the “Home Place.”
Expanding Horizons: Nursery and Farming Innovations
Building on their success in strawberry farming, the Sakuma brothers expanded into the certified plant business in 1947, supplying strawberry plants to growers across the West Coast. By the 1950s, they diversified their crops, growing strawberries for processing at National Frozen Foods, along with raspberries, blackberries, and various vegetables, including peas, cucumbers, cauliflower, broccoli, bush beans, and cabbage seed.
Their nursery business flourished, leading to the establishment of Norcal Nursery, Inc. in Northern California in 1967.
By the early 1970s, the Burlington farm had diversified even further, adding blueberries, additional vegetable crops (carrots, sweet corn, spinach seed), and sheep farming, as well as developing a tissue culture facility for plant propagation and greenhouse production.
As the business evolved, leadership transitioned to the third generation—the Sansei—in 1977, a process completed in 2000, when the last of the second-generation Nisei retired at age 75.
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Vertical Integration: Processing & Sales
The Sakuma family entered the fruit processing industry in 1990, initially leasing out their processing facility to Flavorland Foods before acquiring equipment and launching Sakuma Brothers Processing, Inc. in 1997.
Third-generation family member Steve Sakuma, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, joined the family business in 1996 as CEO. The family also began a partnership as a Driscoll Grower in 1992.
By 1999, Sakuma Brothers had fully integrated its operations with a dedicated sales department, ensuring full control over farming, processing, and distribution. To further enhance quality and efficiency, an Individual Quick Freeze (IQF) facility was added in 2003, followed by an expanded fruit cooling system in 2005.
The Next Generation & Looking Ahead
By 2004, the fourth generation—the Yonsei—began stepping into leadership roles, continuing the family’s tradition of excellence and innovation. This generation brought fresh perspectives while maintaining the values that had sustained the family business for nearly a century. Hebe Sakuma Bradley, daughter of Shinobu Sakuma, became the first female Corporate Director, marking a milestone in the company’s leadership. Around the same time, Ryan Sakuma, son of Steve Sakuma, joined as a Corporate Director and now serves as Purchasing Manager, overseeing key procurement and supply chain operations.
In 2015, the company underwent a significant leadership transition when Steve Sakuma retired as CEO. For the first time in its history, the family appointed a CEO from outside the Sakuma family, selecting Danny Weeden to bring external expertise while upholding the company’s core mission. This shift allowed the business to modernize its operational strategies while staying true to its farming roots.
In 2017, the family made another major business decision by selling Norcal Nursery, LLC to refocus on core farming and processing operations in Washington. This shift allowed Sakuma Brothers to streamline its operations and deepen its commitment to berry production, ensuring continued growth and quality in an ever-evolving agricultural industry.
As part of the company’s leadership development, Nathan Sakuma joined in 2018 as Operations Manager. Over the years, he demonstrated strong leadership and strategic vision, earning promotions to Vice President of Operations, then Chief Operations Officer, and in 2025, he became President, continuing the family’s direct involvement in guiding the business forward.
In 2023, Noel Sakuma returned to the family business after spending a decade in agricultural management in Oregon. With his experience in farm operations and sustainability, he now serves as Agronomy Manager, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of responsible farming practices.
The family was also excited to welcome Abigail Sakuma back as Sales Manager in Spring 2025, bringing additional expertise in market expansion and customer relations. Her return represents the continued dedication of the fourth generation in shaping the company’s future.
Today, Sakuma Brothers continues to oversee every aspect of production, managing farming, harvesting, processing, and sales with the same commitment to quality that has defined the company for over a century.
The company remains a family-owned business, with third- and fourth-generation employee-owners including Ron, Steve, John, Bryan, Richard, Ryan, and Glenn Sakuma. Each remains actively engaged, whether through board leadership or daily operations, ensuring that the legacy continues.
Through four generations, the Sakuma family remains committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation—continuing a legacy of excellence that began with a dream over a century ago.