For most of us a dandelion means it’s time to mow our lawn, Teresa Shiraishi sees much more in the ubiquitous bloom. “Their deep tap root can heal compacted soil and bring nutrients from down below. Our goal is to help the soil in the way the dandelion does.” With that in mind and years of farming experience under their belt, Teresa and her husband Matt Rohanna started Tampopo Farm on 2 acres rented from River Run Farm in Sequim.
Much like the dandelion, there is more to the farm than meets the eye.
Tampopo is Japanese for dandelion and Teresa’s mother’s nickname. “My mom loves yellow flowers and is a very cute lady,” Teresa says with a smile. “Due to assimilation reasons she never taught me Japanese, which we both regret. It’s a nice way to honor my Japanese heritage. Dandelions are resilient too, which fits for farming. You get knocked down and have to get back up”
While all farming is challenging, the Japanese Internment has left a lasting mark on Japanese farming here in the Northwest. Their farmland was never Japanese owned, but they feel connected to the history and hope to help steward it to the present.
“Our friends have a farm that was founded by a Japanese immigrant and we found fuki growing in the woods. Fuki wasn’t farmed in Japan, but my mom remembers foraging it the mountains as a kid. Hopefully we’ll be growing it next year.”
This year they’ll be focused on delivering a consistent supply of salad greens, radishes, green onions, and flowers. You can find Tampopo Farm’s produce at the Sequim Farmer’s Market, Phinney Market in Seattle, and at River Run Farm’s farm stand.
Our Business Advisor on the Olympic Peninsula, Micah Jonet, has had a joyous time working with Tampopo Farm Owners Teresa and Matt.
Teresa tells Micah, “I’ve appreciated your availability and willingness to help us think things through we wouldn’t have thought of.” As the couple does all the work on their farm themselves, they emphasize that “starting a business is really scary and just having someone to talk with for support and encouragement has been great.” Luckily, the farm is on shared land with River Run Farm and Saltwater Seeds; offering extra support farming alongside their friends.
