Vermont Apple Growers’ Support Fund for Jamaican Seasonal Workers Affected by Hurricane Melissa

United to support the hands and hearts behind Vermont’s apple harvest.

Each autumn, hundreds of seasonal workers from Jamaica travel to Vermont to help tend, harvest, and pack the apples that fill our state’s markets, schools, and homes. These men and women are the backbone of Vermont’s apple industry—skilled professionals who work long hours with pride, care, and craftsmanship.

Now, it’s our turn to care for them.

The Vermont Apple Growers’ Support Fund for Jamaican Seasonal Workers is a unified effort by Vermont orchards to provide direct financial support to our Jamaican team members who help feed our communities.

Every dollar raised will go directly and equally to these essential workers employed across participating orchards.

Why This Matters

For decades, Vermont’s apple industry has relied on Jamaican seasonal workers whose skill, strength, and friendship have helped sustain our farms through the challenges of weather, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty.

They are not just workers—they are family. They’ve helped raise barns, pick millions of apples, and build lasting relationships across borders. Their dedication keeps Vermont’s orchards alive and thriving. This fund is to help them recover and rebuild from the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa.

How it Works

• One statewide fund: Established by Champlain Orchards on behalf of all participating Vermont orchards.

• 100% of proceeds go directly to workers.

• Equal distribution: Every eligible Jamaican H-2A or H-2B orchard worker from participating farms will receive the same amount.

• Transparency: A shared spreadsheet—visible to all participating orchards—will track total donations and allocations by headcount.

Who’s Involved

This campaign unites many of Vermont’s leading apple producers under a single, cohesive mission: Champlain Orchards • Sunrise Orchards • Southern Vermont Orchards • Green Mountain Orchards • Others VT orchards may be added (this is happening fast)

We invite every Vermont orchard employing Jamaican H-2A/H-2B staff to join this effort—please reach out if your orchard would like to participate.

Transparency & Accountability

• 100% of proceeds go to Jamaican H-2A/H-2B orchard workers.

• No administrative costs, organizer cuts, or hidden fees—only GoFundMe’s standard transaction fee applies (see GoFundMe’s pricing page for details).

• All allocations will be verified by headcount and shared among participating orchards.

• Donations are gifts and not tax-deductible.

Updates

We’ll post updates throughout the campaign, sharing milestones, total funds raised, and stories from the orchards. At the end of the two-week period, we’ll publish a transparent summary showing exactly how funds were distributed.

Thank You

Your generosity directly supports the people who bring Vermont’s apples to life.

Please share this campaign with your friends, local businesses, and community groups. Every dollar counts.

Donate • Share • Support Vermont’s Orchard Workers

Organizer:

Champlain Orchards on behalf of participating Vermont apple growers: Sunrise Orchards · Southern Vermont Orchards · Green Mountain Orchards · Others VT orchards may be added (this is happening fast)