Meet Our Farmers: Mariposa Farm
A nephew and friend of Farmers Lis and Joaquin help out at the Mariposa Farm market booth.
This close-knit family migrated far from Mexico to farm here in Washington, and we are so glad they did. Their gorgeous produce graces the West Seattle Farmers Market nearly year-round, and seasonal markets during the high season.
"Butterflies migrate long distances over several generations, guided by nature. We migrated from Mexico 9 years ago to work on organic farms in Washington. Now we have started our own family farm in Everson, WA."
When Farmer Lis first came to the U.S. from Mexico, she worked for the well-known farm Growing Washington. After gaining experience and with support from her former employer, Lis and her husband Joaquin started Mariposa Farm in 2014. No strangers to hard work, Lis and Joaquin are the only full-time workers at their farm and shoulder the lions share of the labor. The farm is a family affair, with siblings, close friends and even Lis and Joaquin's children lending a hand. Shoppers will often see Joaquin's brother selling produce at market, or videos of the kids helping out in the wash station on Instagram. (Seriously, check out their Instagram, the videos shot by their young daughter, Sarahi, are pure gold). Everything on the farm is done by hand, including weed and pest control. Farmer Lis and Joaquin's hard work certainly shows, the produce they bring to market is absolutely stunning, and delicious to boot.
We are so in love with this close-knit family and are over the moon that a full 90 percent of their income comes from sales at our farmers markets. With numbers like these, Mariposa Farm's income has been significantly compromised by the closure of markets.
They are currently selling produce at La Pasta storefronts, and the West Seattle Farmers Market. They normally also sell seasonally at the Columbia City, Lake City and Magnolia farmers markets, which are closed.
In 2018 the Good Farmer Fund helped Mariposa Farm when their market truck was hit by uninsured driver. The funds used for truck repair and medical bills associated with the accident. Learn more about the Good Farmer Fund here.
