[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E928-E929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BRYAN SAKUMA

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. RICK LARSEN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2025

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate Bryan Sakuma's service as Chair of the U.S. Highbush 
Blueberry Council (USHBC).
  Born and raised on the Sakuma family farm in Washington State, Bryan 
proudly represents the third generation of his family in the 
agriculture industry. From an early age, Bryan demonstrated a deep 
devotion to agriculture, spending weekends during his college years 
working the fields alongside his father and uncles while earning a 
degree in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University. He 
went on to earn a master's degree from WSU in 1980 and is a 
distinguished alumnus of the Washington Agriculture & Forestry 
Leadership Program, Class 12.
  Following graduation, Bryan joined the family business full-time, 
operating a nursery. By 1998, he became President of Sakuma Bros. 
Processing, Inc., where he led fresh and IQF processing operations and 
expanded the company's Japanese export program. Since 2016, he has 
served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, continuing to lead 
with the same dedication, integrity, and strategic vision.
  Throughout his professional life, Bryan has exemplified leadership 
and service. In addition to his recent tenure as Chair of the U.S. 
Highbush Blueberry Council, he has served as

[[Page E929]]

Chair of both the Washington Blueberry Commission and the Washington 
Red Raspberry Commission. He has also contributed his expertise as a 
member of the Washington State Commission on Pesticide Registration and 
the Washington State Strawberry Commission, among numerous other roles.
  Bryan Sakuma's work has had a profound and lasting impact not only on 
the Pacific Northwest but on berry growers and agricultural communities 
nationwide. He has been a tireless advocate for growers, working to 
strengthen markets, support research, and promote the health and 
sustainability of the industry.
  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Sakuma's greatest pride 
is his family. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Barbara, and a 
loving father and grandfather. Two of his sons, Nathan and Noel, have 
continued the Sakuma tradition of stewardship, innovation, and service 
to the community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to commend Bryan Sakuma for his 
outstanding leadership, his dedication to American agriculture, and the 
enduring legacy he has helped to cultivate. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in expressing our deepest gratitude for his service.

                          ____________________