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Department of Agriculture, which Eastman says has a better handle on the requirements and realities of seaSunrise Orchards employed 28 dosonal ag work. mestic workers last year for bookkeepWhatever happens, it’s unlikely ing, marketing, packing, distribution that Eastman will face much in the and orchard-management positions. way of competition for her services. Those jobs wouldn’t exist, Eastman Her job requires specialized knowlsays, without the temporary influx of edge — the kind of details that she outside help. picked up on the job rather than at Champlain College, where Eastman earned her business degree. “There’s a lot of red tape with the program,” says Eastman. “You cannot get intimidated by these governmental agencies, and it takes a certain somebody to carry the weight on their shoulders to do this job.” That said, she enjoys the work — especially when she sees the end result. She’s seen farms grow and prosper with the influx of legal, seasonal help, and she’s inspired by the dedication of workers who Omar Edwards return year after year to Vermont. “These workers are so happy to be here, and it provides a great standard of living for them in their home country,” she says. “They can’t wait to be on the list to be called back next year.” Eastman’s cliALySOn EAST M An ents describe her as knowledgeable, confident and easy Even if the H-2A visa as it’s known to understand. A few point out that, today disappears under immigration because she grew up in a dairy farmreform, Eastman says farmers cur- ing family, she has a common-sense rently using the program shouldn’t understanding of how agricultural be adversely affected; the reform bill enterprises function. still has provisions for temporary, “In a tough program,” says Judy contracted labor. On the plus side, it Adams, referring to all the hoopcould bring some big fixes, such as jumping involved in finding reliable switching the bulk of oversight from labor for Vermont farms, “she’s been the Department of Labor to the U.S. a real bright spot for us.” m