This week, Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, made landfall on the south coast of Jamaica, causing devastating historic damage and leaving many communities ruined in the wake of the storm. Many roads were washed away or remain blocked by debris, slowing rescue efforts. Hundreds of thousands of people in Jamaica have lost everything.

Vermont hosts over 400 Jamaican farmworkers on our orchards and produce farms every year. These hard-working people work to feed our communities, and many have become dear family and friends to us. UVM Extension supports Jamaican farmworkers and recognizes that their presence enriches our agricultural community in Vermont.

Now they need our help.

Several farms across Vermont are raising funds to help farm workers from Jamaica.  As they prepare to return home, we can help support them by giving what we can. Please consider donating to help these folks and everyone in Jamaica as they begin to rebuild.

The Vermont Tree Fruit Growers Association has set up a fundraiser coordinated across multiple farms: Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/.../aid-vermonts-orchard.../

Paul Mazza's Farm has a similar fundraiser to help support the 23 farmworkers on their fruit and vegetable farm. Find the gofundme campaign here: https://www.gofundme.com/.../support-our-jamaican-farm...

Scott Farm in Dummerston has a fund set up to help their eight farmworkers: https://www.scottfarmvermont.com/support-jamaican-crew

Jericho Settlers Farm is raising money to help the 6 farmworkers from Jamaica who help their farm operate every year: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jamaican-farmers-at-jericho-settlers-farm-to-rebuild?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeMny0Y79nUojgLqo1VYb3aHm89dD63AG3kb2Y-wjShmhN3t5YnESCsUeWR6w_aem_GQQ6KgJMgyOwo217A539EA 

Hackett’s Orchard is accepting donations of dry goods through the first week of November to support families affected by the hurricane. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/HackettsOrchard/

All donations are greatly appreciated. Please share these fundraisers and spread the word about supporting communities in Jamaica.