Farmers and Farmworkers, Side by Side
At NOFA-VT, we use organic farming as the framework to build an economically viable, ecologically sound, and socially just Vermont agricultural system that benefits all living things. We are deeply concerned about the degradation of the dysfunctional U.S. immigration system as it conflicts with our guiding values of justice and well-being for all and our responsibility to support our members. Migrant farmworkers are valued members of our agricultural community, and they deserve dignity, humanity, and safety.
Whether you are a farm owner, a farmworker, or simply a person who depends on the people who grow your food (that’s all of us!), you are critical and needed for building a more socially just food and agriculture future in Vermont and beyond.
Support the safety and wellbeing for your neighbors by checking out resources below for farmers and non-farmers. ***Please note that this is not legal counsel, just resource sharing. To ask specific questions or access legal support, reach out either to Vermont Legal Aid or Vermont Asylum Assistance Project.***
Resources for Farmers and Farmworkers
Sign-On Letter
You can sign on to this public letter supporting justice for immigrants and migrant farmworkers written by organic farmers. NOFA-VT has signed on as an association and individual farmers may join in, too.
Excerpt from the letter: “The current US immigration system is a nightmare. It has grown even more violent and oppressive as more people are forced from their homelands by extreme poverty, paramilitary violence, and environmental devastation. As people who are ourselves the descendants of immigrants to this country, we want legislation for comprehensive immigration reform that establishes fair and humane immigration policies. We must create a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented and respect the humanity and dignity of all immigrants. We welcome the many farmers among the tide of immigrants. We want them to receive land and resources for farming it. We call for an end to targeting and attacking the caring, hard-working people who come to our country seeking to provide a better life for their families. A truly sustainable system of food and farming is not possible without justice for all the people of the earth.”
"Know Your Rights" PDF Printable Flyers
- "Know your rights" document in English, prepared by the Vermont Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild
- "Know-your-rights" flyer in Spanish and English, prepared by the Immigration Defense Project (we recommend printing and hanging this on the farm)
"Know Your Rights" Informational Videos
Translation Services
Access translation services to deepen conversation, discuss plans, and preparation on farms across language barriers, whether you're concerned about the safety of your farm team or want to build solidarity with others in the community. Contact Grace Oedel, NOFA-VT's executive director, to be connected with translation services or reach out to AALV or USCRI Vermont.
Legal Services
If you employ or are a farmworker with questions reach out to Vermont Legal Aid or Vermont Asylum Assistance Project.
Resources for the Broader Community to Support Our Immigrant Neighbors
Volunteer Opportunities
If you have time to volunteer, there are numerous ways to plug in, including directly supporting a local family, supporting an organization doing frontline work, to taking action to advocate for migrant farmworkers rights.
- Volunteers are needed to drive migrant workers to buy groceries, attend doctor appointments, and take other necessary trips. The Bridges to Health program at the University of Vermont coordinates volunteer drivers. To apply to volunteer as a driver fill out this form.
- Volunteer to support Migrant Justice, a Vermont-based organization. Check out the variety of support they accept and sign up for action alerts on their website.
- Do you know of other volunteer opportunities? Reach out to Grace Oedel, NOFA-VT's executive director, to let us know and we can add them!
Offer Legal Support
If you’re a lawyer and want to support with pro bono legal help, reach out to Vermont Legal Aid or Vermont Asylum Assistance Project to offer your services and learn where there is the most need.