“Farm Workers: The Heart of Central New York” was hosted by the volunteer citizens group Madison-Chenango Call to Action.
The forum opened with the personal story of a teenage immigrant from Guatemala, with translation assistance provided by Hamilton resident Everett Egginton. Ellen Percy Kraly, professor of Geography and Environmental Studies at Colgate University and board member of the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees, shared her expertise in the demographics of immigration, the complexity of immigration law and the cultural and economic impact of immigrants. Sheriff John Ball addressed the role of law enforcement in immigration. Dairy farmer Bret Bossard explained the role of immigrant labor in the dairy industry.
Each of the panelists then answered questions about the ways immigrants of all kinds enrich the life and economy of Central New York.
For more information and to find out about the next forum, visit www.madisonchenangocta.org
Link: http://www.oneidadispatch.com/business/20171009/farmers-forum-focuses-on-immigration-dairy-workers
