#EssentialFarmers Project
It’s already 80 degrees and it’s 5:15am in the morning. I roll out of my twin bed and put on the old, beat up clothes my Italian host family has provided for me; baggy sweatpants, a striped button down from the 70s, and a black baseball cap. I hop on my bike and make the five minute ride down the dirt road to the family farm just as the sun begins to rise. The other workers are already in the tunnels when I arrive... Time to pick tomatoes.
After six hours in the sweltering heat, I have made (some) progress in my tomato tunnel. My “colleagues” are kicking my ass and a few who had finished early helped carry my crates back to the truck. These seasonal workers have been coming to this farm for years to work during peak harvest times, traveling in from countries like Bulgaria, Romania and Kazakhstan to work the land and support their families back home. I am drenched in sweat, my shirt is stained red all over, and I smell like a combination of tomato paste and gym socks… Best. Day. Ever.
Why am I telling you this story?
Because without these essential farmers, my host family’s farm would not be able to support themselves and provide food for their community.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, we are faced with a similar problem here in the United States. Many of you may have seen the articles in TIME and the New York Times detailing how the virus is impacting migrant workers, our supply chain, and our food access, all of which will lead to increased food and financial insecurity. I’ve already spoken with more than 30 farms in the local NYC area, and they are struggling to sell their crop and sustain their businesses.
Farming has never been more essential, which is why I’ve teamed up with Greensulate, a green roof and urban agriculture company based out of NYC, to launch the #EssentialFarmers project. Our goal is simple:
“Empower local farms and non-essential workers by connecting everyday people with paid and volunteer farm opportunities so that they can literally and figuratively put food on the table.
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But this project is not just about the farms. The “non-essential” American workforce has also felt the brunt of this pandemic. Workers from around the country have been laid off and are unable to work; struggling to make ends meet for themselves and their families. They are not only looking for financial support, but also a sense of purpose during this time of adversity.
The #EssentialFarmers project is meant to unite the two ends of our food system; connecting at risk farms and gardens with workers and volunteers looking to get their hands dirty. That being said, there are so many ways to get involved without working directly on these farms, and we are actively exploring ways to provide temporary relief and assistance to support the longevity of these businesses and the farmers we rely on. This project will change as we grow and learn more about the farms and their struggles, and our number one priority is to compile a list of dedicated people who are interested in helping and want to make a difference.
If you are interested in participating in any way, reach out to grow@essentialfarmers.com
#EssentialFarmers
HOW TO GET INVOLVED (sign up here)
Of course, there are many more ways to contribute to this movement aside from actually working for a farm. Here are ways we can help spread the word and show our support:
Work on a Farm
We are actively compiling lists of farms and gardens that are willing to pay for workers. We will then pair these farms with individuals who have been laid off and need a temporary source of income.
Volunteer
If you want to become an essential volunteer, there are many ways to get involved locally. Giving your time at your neighborhood community gardens, local school gardens, or Greensulate’s Staten Island Ferry rooftop farm are easy ways to get your hands dirty and contribute to the movement.
Spread the Word
We all know someone who has been affected by this pandemic. You may know someone who was laid off or maybe you have friends who work on farms that could use our help. No matter what your connection is, reach out, talk to friends and family, and consider sharing this cause on your channels.
Grow With Us!
#EssentialFarmers is a living and breathing project that will constantly be changing. If you have ideas, skills, connections, potential sponsors / donors, or just want to get involved in a greater capacity, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This initiative has the potential to leave a lasting impact on NYC’s (and America’s) agricultural community and we need all the help we can get.