October 31, 2026 To the Community:
At a recent Vermont Public debate between candidates for lieutenant governor, the issue of migrant farm workers was raised.
Horticulture farms across Vermont rely on hundreds of workers from Caribbean countries who come here legally every year through the federal H2-A temporary agricultural worker program. These seasonal employees are reliable, skilled, and have experience with many complex farming tasks. They are critical to the economic viability of farms that grow fresh produce in orchards, greenhouses and vegetable fields.
On most farms, the same H2-A workers return year after year, often for decades. These workers are valued and respected. To suggest that the farm where one of the candidates grew up was mistreating their H2-A employees simply does not ring true, especially to those who know this farm and its commitment to the well-being of their crew.
It is true that the farm was cited for a so-called labor violation, but this in no way suggests ill intent. Housing inspections are part of the H2-A program’s rigorous and continuous oversight. You work to meet the requirements in good faith, and if there is a problem, you fix it. That’s what the farm in question did.
Obtaining H2-A employees is a complicated and expensive process. But the program is well worth it for both farmers and employees. It supplies Vermont farms with the high-quality labor they need to stay in business, and it provides migrant workers and their families with a level of income they cannot earn back home. Suggesting that a farm would put this arrangement at risk based on an inspection issue that was promptly corrected is a distortion of reality.
Suggesting that a candidate with no management role in their family farm was culpable is irresponsible at best and malicious at worst. We are disappointed in our current lieutenant governor for using a Vermont farm, and ultimately many farmers who navigate the H2-A program, for reprehensible political gain. Vermont farmers deserve better.
Signed and submitted by
Paul Harlow, Harlow Farm, Westminster Station, Vermont, along with co-signers:
Jack Manix, Walker Farm
Howard Prussack, High Meadows Farm
Tim Sanford and Suzanne Long, Luna Blue Farm
Dan and Gail MacArthur, Whetstone Ledge Farm
Eugenie Doyle, Author & Farmer
Gerard Croizet, Berry Creek Farm
Hans Estrin, Produce & Safety Specialist
Liana Horster, The Mountain School
Steven Park, Full Belly Farm
Henry Webb, Old Road Farm
Beth Whiting, Maple Wind Farm
Michelle Pomeroy, Peacham Greens
Brian Koplow, Manns Hill Farm