Gaia Herbs Sustainability Report 2020 - Report - Page 20
THE HANDS THAT HARVEST
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Each year, through the H2A visa program, we employ approximately 30 farm workers who
make the journey from San Luis Potosi, Mexico to spend the growing and harvesting season on
our farm. Most of our farm crew has been returning for years, including a few over 20 years.
“I love this farm, it’s a big part of my life,” said Jorge Mendez, Farm Crew Manager. “You
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 // PEOPLE // P.20
know, 21 years it’s easy to say, it’s part of my life. I love it.”
We are proud of the fact that many of our farm crew have recruited other family members
to work the land with them including sons, nephews, and cousins. It’s a true family affair.
The bonds that have been created between our farm crew, our farm managers, and our
community is palpable.
“We have an amazing crew of really experienced farmers who intimately know these plants,”
Leonard said. “They can just look at a root and tell if that’s a root that belongs in our final
product or a root that we need to remove.”
We are focused on building our farmer and outreach programs, including both internal
education and external education. This effort will help to build a more inclusive farming
atmosphere both on the Gaia Farm and globally.
On-site Spanish classes were also offered to all employees to help break down
communication barriers between all our team members.
“Because of our farm crew, our soil regenerates, our herbs
rise from seeds to seedlings, and our plants produce potent
harvests. Our farmers are not the roots of the Gaia Farm,
but the soil that enables magnificent roots to grow.”
- KATE RENNER, Farm Operations Assistant Manager
