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conulyThe farm that runs our CSA, Norwich Meadows, has a bit of a problem. And as they run several CSAs in the NYC area and a market CSA, and are one of the few I found that accept food stamps in their CSA, their problem is potentially not just my problem, but the problem of a lot of people who are trying to spend limited funds on better food.
Dear CSA members:
Our farmer, Zaid, has been in contact with us recently about government issued policy changes that may affect the future of Norwich Meadows Farm. As many of you know, each year Zaid hires a crew of farm hands from Egypt . These individuals are hard working and experienced organic farmers. New legislation to the H2A program limits the countries to which American farms can hire help and Egypt is not on this list. Zaid has already attempted and failed to obtain VISAs for new Egyptian workers. Zaid and Norwich Meadows have spent six years establishing and perfecting a positive process for obtaining workers through Egypt , if something does not change, these efforts will no longer be beneficial.
The outcome of this news will not directly affect our CSA this season, but may do so in the future. Zaid is encouraging all CSA members to take action. He said, “..call Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer's offices in NYC in mass and say how important it is that Norwich Meadows stays open and that it is not right that the government has changed the visa rules and not grand fathered in existing relationships. Or better yet if some one can get a senators staff member to talk to me I can explain the details. The more people that call the better.”
If you are an attorney or know an attorney that could help with this let us know.
For those who want to know more about these changes http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=28a634a57822e110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3381c0ed71f85110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD
Thank you for your time and help with this important matter.
Sincerely,
Kisha & Colleen
CSA Coordinators
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, yeah. Any advice for what to say/do about this? I want my farmer to be a happy, productive farmer so I can go and collect my weekly seven pounds of cucumbers!
Dear CSA members:
Our farmer, Zaid, has been in contact with us recently about government issued policy changes that may affect the future of Norwich Meadows Farm. As many of you know, each year Zaid hires a crew of farm hands from Egypt . These individuals are hard working and experienced organic farmers. New legislation to the H2A program limits the countries to which American farms can hire help and Egypt is not on this list. Zaid has already attempted and failed to obtain VISAs for new Egyptian workers. Zaid and Norwich Meadows have spent six years establishing and perfecting a positive process for obtaining workers through Egypt , if something does not change, these efforts will no longer be beneficial.
The outcome of this news will not directly affect our CSA this season, but may do so in the future. Zaid is encouraging all CSA members to take action. He said, “..call Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer's offices in NYC in mass and say how important it is that Norwich Meadows stays open and that it is not right that the government has changed the visa rules and not grand fathered in existing relationships. Or better yet if some one can get a senators staff member to talk to me I can explain the details. The more people that call the better.”
If you are an attorney or know an attorney that could help with this let us know.
For those who want to know more about these changes http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=28a634a57822e110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3381c0ed71f85110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD
Thank you for your time and help with this important matter.
Sincerely,
Kisha & Colleen
CSA Coordinators
So, yeah. Any advice for what to say/do about this? I want my farmer to be a happy, productive farmer so I can go and collect my weekly seven pounds of cucumbers!
