For many years, our farm has been committed to hosting Exchange Visitors (EV) and embracing the diversity and enthusiasm they bring. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of our program and highlight some of the remarkable individuals who have participated in it.
The Farm has a rich history of hosting Exchange Visitors that spans several decades, thanks to the visionary efforts of Dorothy Bartlett. In the early days, when the concept was still relatively novel, we extended invitations to J-1 interns to actively participate in our agricultural operations. As time went on, we recognized the benefits of establishing long-term relationships with skilled workers, leading us to transition to the H2A program. This program allows us to bring back the same workers year after year, ensuring continuity and expertise. However, we have retained the practice of welcoming interns at the Farm.
J-1 Summer Work and Travel Students:
Over the years, our Farm has welcomed J-1 Summer Work and Travel (SWT) students from all corners of the globe. These students have become an integral part of our market, infusing it with diverse perspectives and enthusiasm. The following are some of the countries represented by this year’s EVs:
Ireland:
Finlay Grace: Stocker
Noah Pim: Stocker
Mary Enright: Cashier
Lizzy Keher: Kitchen Counter
Jamaica: Candice and Dannique Beckford: Cousins and Cashiers
Ukraine: Andrii Pukhtaievych: Prep Cook
England: Kyle Grace: Kitchen Counter
Internship Program:
Our interns this year are all based in the Garden Center, where they gain valuable hands-on experience. Unlike the SWT EVs, interns are required to have a degree or college major relevant to their training plan. Here are the interns who have joined us this year:
Emmanual Osei: Ghana
Annette Ntata: Malawi
Yamie Kaliphee: Malawi
Alyssa Koeppel: Switzerland
The presence of Exchange Visitors at our farm has greatly enriched our community. Through the H2A program, we have fostered long-term relationships with agricultural workers, while the J-1 Summer Work and Travel students have provided a global perspective and enriching experience for customers and staff alike. Our interns in the Garden Center continue to learn and grow, contributing to their personal development and enhancing the overall operations of our farm. We are proud to embrace diversity and international exchange, and we look forward to the many more exciting experiences our EVs will bring in the future.