Keeping it local is a mantra for Sequim, ensuring delicious, fresh food experiences for everyone. Sourcing locally is an ongoing philosophy that can be found in restaurants, cafes, farm stands and farmers markets all celebrating the bounty of the Sequim Dungeness Valley.
Sequim sits in a rain shadow created by the Olympic Mountains and receives approximately 16 inches of annual rainfall. In 1896, early settlers worked together to dig ditches to tap into the Dungeness River. These ditches delivered irrigation water to about 11,000 acres of farmland throughout the Dungeness Valley. The ability to irrigate, combined with the mild, dry climate, helped the Dungeness Valley to become fertile farmland. It developed into a world-class region of dairy farms, and the nearby Sequim community began to grow. During these past 120+ years, the bounty of the Sequim Dungeness Valley has flourished. And the prairie was transformed from brown to green.
Dairy Farms
Family-owned Dungeness Valley Creamery is one of only two dairies operating today in Sequim. Visit their farm store to purchase chicken and duck eggs, milk, cream, ice cream, and cheese, and say hello to their sweet little calves.
While dairy farming in Sequim has diminished, a number of boutique food farms are thriving. In recent years, an increase in consumer interest in organic food has created more opportunity for local farmers. “Access to good food is really important to all of us,” says Scott Chichester, owner of Chi’s Farm. “This point was brought to the forefront during the Pandemic, when people wondered where they could purchase locally grown food.”
Greenhouses
Always considering how to improve farm practices, recently constructed greenhouses have increased Chi’s ability for growing an abundance of hot crops. These include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, basil and eggplant.
“Extending the growing season by utilizing the greenhouses means people have access to fresh food, such as our popular salad greens, all year long.”
“It’s important to make our product accessible to customers,” Scott continues. “For this reason, our farm stand is open daily, year-round, like a grocery store. Our weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm share program and farm stand together comprise about 80% of our business.”
Farmers Market
Another outlet for the sale of local produce as well as unique, hand-made products, is the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market, open every Saturday, May through October.
“The weekly Sequim Farmers Market is also a space where we can come together and meet the community and other growers,” says Elli Rose of Joy Farm.
Joy Farm employs sustainable practices that apply ecological processes to their farming systems. Elli explains, “Years of experience growing organic food has shaped our use of soil and fertility management practices. This includes crop rotations and select inputs that enhance the mineral content and biological activity of the soil.”
In a callback to the pioneer past, Belgian draft horses are used for field work at Joy Farm. Elli said, “Baylen, my husband, loves working with the horses. It’s quieter and relationship-based.”
Where Water is Wealth
“Sequim, with its natural beauty and moderate climate, makes it a desirable place to live,” says Scott. “I love that I can work outside and also have beautiful places nearby to go hiking. However, water remains a precious resource, and it is important to conserve water so that farmers have enough to grow crops.”
“We are also grateful for the opportunity to grow good food in the fertile soils and living water provided by the Dungeness River,” Elli adds. “I love this small town, everyone feels connected. I think it affects the way people treat each other.”
Sequim Eateries
The local produce also finds its way to Sequim eateries, including Alder Wood Bistro, Nourish Sequim, The Goat & The Radish, and Pacific Pantry.
“Local farmers growing organically care about the land, so it is good to have such stewards in our community,” says Tanya Rose, owner of Nourish. “Local food is harvested at its best and travels less distance, so it tastes better and has a longer shelf life.”
Worth the stop for foodies, Sunny Farms Country Store offers a variety of produce, berries and fresh seafood. U-pick farms, such as at Graysmarsh Farm, feature berries, produce and more.
Lavender
One of the most beautiful and unique crops found in Sequim is lavender. Lavender adds a fragrant touch to various dishes and beverages and can be found on the menu at local eateries. Lavender and its products can be purchased at lavender farms and gift shops.
The significance for the Sequim Dungeness-Valley of irrigation and the pioneers’ drive to get it done is celebrated each year in early May at the Sequim Irrigation Festival—the longest running festival in Washington. Today, these many decades later, the bounty of the Sequim Dungeness Valley is celebrated by all who come to visit and the locals who live here.
By guest blogger Patsene Dashiell, Visit Sunny Sequim
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