Summer may be ending, but the berries at Sidhu Farms in Puyallup, Washington, are still thriving. Recently, co-owner Kamal Sidhu picked some juicy blackberries, known as the Triple Crown variety. “It’s one of the sweetest,” he shared.
The Sidhu family has been in the berry business since 2000. Interestingly, farming wasn’t their original plan. Kamal’s father moved to the U.S. in the 1980s from Punjab, India, with hopes of starting a different life. After retiring from the restaurant industry, he aimed to split his time between here and India. They purchased a piece of land that was once a blueberry farm, intending to turn it into housing.
However, a family outing to the farmers market changed everything. Kamal said, “One year, my grandma, my mom, and my brothers picked berries. When my dad returned, something clicked. We went full swing into farming after that.”
Over the years, Sidhu Farms expanded its offerings to include a range of berries: raspberries, marionberries, tayberries, and loganberries. They now grow 40 different varieties across two farms, having acquired another one in 2015.
During the pandemic, Sidhu Farms played a vital role by supplying fresh food to local schools. The Local Food for Schools (LFS) program, part of a federal initiative launched in 2021, aimed to support local farmers and improve school meals amid supply chain issues caused by COVID-19. This program has been crucial for many, allowing farmers like Sidhu to receive fair compensation for their produce.
According to a report from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, over 2,100 public schools in the state benefited from this program. Nearly 600,000 pounds of food were provided to schools, affecting around 850,000 students. Sidhu noted that this program brought in about $150,000 in revenue, which was essential for keeping the farm afloat during tough times.
Thanks to this federal support, Kamal and his family planned to grow their business, dreaming of a commercial kitchen to create more processed products, like jam. Yet, these plans have now hit a snag. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced cuts to the LFS program, impacting future funding. Washington state was set to receive nearly $9 million, which left Kamal feeling like they had received a “gut punch.”
“With a reduced market, I’ll need fewer workers,” Kamal reflected. He worries that he might even have to remove certain berry varieties or limit their production. Currently, the farm is preparing for the next season by pruning vines and cleaning up.
Despite the funding issues, some school districts have opted to continue buying from Sidhu Farms. “Schools are so eager for our berries they’re using their own funds,” Kamal said. They recognize the unique quality of locally sourced food.
In an era where many farmers are facing challenges, Sidhu Farms stands as a reminder of the importance of community support and resilient farming practices. By connecting directly with local schools, they continue to provide fresh, quality produce while showcasing the benefits of eating locally.
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Washington | Farming | Schools | Funding
