The recent news about the end of the Harvest Trail Services (HTS) has stirred quite a bit of conversation within our farming community. Many have relied on HTS for years to connect with backpackers and local workers during the busy harvest seasons. It’s understandable that there’s some concern about what comes next.
But here’s a thought: maybe this change opens up a chance to rethink how we do things and to build something even better, together.
A New Chapter with the Farm Work Loop
Let’s talk about the Farm Work Loop (FWL). This isn’t about pushing a new program, but rather exploring a fresh approach that might work well for all of us – farmers and workers alike.
- Supporting Locals and Building Community: One thing we’ve always known is the importance of our local community. The FWL helps support locals in providing stable, year round work, not just backpackers on visa. This can create a more consistent and dependable workforce, which is something we all need. Plus, having locals work on our farms strengthens our community and improves the local economy.
- Learning and Growing Together: The FWL allows workers to move between different farms, learning new skills and gaining varied experiences. This isn’t just beneficial for the workers and farmers, but for the industry as a whole. A well-rounded, skilled workforce makes a significant difference in all farm operations.
- Working Together for a Common Goal: There’s no denying that we’re facing a period of adjustment. But perhaps this is our chance to come together and support each other more than ever. By embracing initiatives like the FWL, we can create a more sustainable and resilient farming industry.
The Power of Community
Change can be challenging, but it also brings new opportunities. The Farm Work Loop offers a way to adapt and thrive by creating a sense of community and mutual support. It’s not about replacing what we’ve lost but building on it to create something even more robust.
So, let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s share ideas and work together to make sure our farms continue to flourish. The Farm Work Loop might just be the way forward, but it needs all of us to get on board and make it work. After all, the strength of our community has always been our greatest asset.
