Reducing barriers to hiring on-farm help could be achieved in the following ways:
- Collaborate with local governments to support zoning changes to allow affordable housing on farm properties, including for employees, to address both housing and labor needs, while introducing a potential revenue stream during shoulder seasons.
- Provide technical assistance to growers interested in navigating the H-2A employment program.
- Develop hands-on apprenticeships and/or incubator opportunities modeled after the Maine Organic Farming Association’s Apprenticeship Program and in partnership with UNH Extension’s New Farmer School.
Craving context? This recommendation is included in the Fruits & Vegetables brief, part of the NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan.
Read the Fruits & Vegetables brief here
