Hamada Farms bows out of market at Ferry Plaza
After decades at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Hamada Farms is saying goodbye.
The Hamadas — known for their diverse array of produce, including Buddha’s hand, loquats and persimmons — have been a fixture at the market since 1994, but their farming history dates back more than 100 years.
Hamada Farms was founded by Shotaro Hamada, a Japanese immigrant and former transcontinental railroad worker who moved to the Central Valley in 1908, eventually founding his own farming operation in Kingsburg (Fresno County) growing grapes and stone fruit.
Shotaro’s son Yukio and his wife, Yonki, came aboard to help run the family business in the 1950s and ran the business together for 47 years. In 2002, the couple stepped back and handed the day-to-day operations of the 235-acre farm to their children: Clifford, Donna and Preston.
Word of the retirement comes after a two-month absence from the Tuesday and Saturday markets at the Ferry Plaza, which are operated by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA).
According to CUESA, there are several factors behind the Hamada family’s decision, including fewer orchards to sustain business following a recent sale of some of the family’s properties, as well as a rough winter that damaged this year’s cherry crop.
A statement from Marcy Coburn, CUESA’s executive director, said she is “heartbroken” that the Hamadas will no longer have a weekly presence at the market: “The Hamadas embody the farming ethos that CUESA strives to cultivate in our markets, and their spirit, generosity and warmth will be deeply missed.”
The family has informed the market that they will be retiring from other Bay Area markets as well.
The Chronicle was able to briefly speak with 87-year-old Yukio Hamada by phone. Although she preferred not to discuss the details behind the retirement, she was matter-offact about the decision.
“Sometimes that’s the way it goes,” Hamada said. “All good things come to an end, I’m sad to say.”