August 4, 2025 • 31 mins
It is National Farmers Market Week August 3 through the 9th, and it is Farmworker Appreciation Day on August 6th.
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, I am focusing on Connecticut farmers. I talk with Ella Kennen, the Coordinator of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance. We discussed supporting beginning farmers, particularly first-generation farmers. Caitlin Kimball is the Director of Agriculture at CitySeed, and she oversees the New Haven's farmers markets and owns and operates Sunset Organic Farm. We discuss the challenges faced by farmers, including land access, extreme weather events, and the importance of local food systems. The podcast highlights the benefits of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and some of the new legislation that passed aiding farmers. Both emphasize the importance of supporting local farms and the role that CT Paid Leave plays in offering benefits to farmers and their workers.
To get in touch with Ella Kennen via email: newctfarmers@gmail.com or got to their website at: New CT Farmer Alliance | Building a Stronger Local Food System | Connecticut
To get in touch with Kaitlyn Kimball please go to her website at: Home | Sunset Farm Their farmstand is open Wednesday through Saturday at Wheeler's Farm Road in Milford. You can find Kaitlyn's produce at Ridgefield farmers market, Monroe farmers market, and Naugatuck farmer's markets. Or go to Cityseed's New Haven farmers markets year-round!
For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave
https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US
https://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeave
https://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/
https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeave
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Nancy Barrow (00:01):
Hello Connecticut, and welcome to The Paid Leave
Podcast. The title basicallysays it all. I'm Nancy Barrow,
and I will be delving into thisnew state program and how it can
help you and your family. Thispodcast will give you
information you should knowabout Connecticut Paid Leave and
maybe just a little bit more.
Connecticut Paid Leave bringspeace of mind to your home,
(00:22):
family and workplace. Welcome tothe paid leave podcast.
It is National Farmers Marketweek, August 3 through the
ninth, and it's national farmworker Appreciation Day on
August 6, and I have two guestswho can lend their expertise on
these two observances andfarmers in Connecticut in
(00:43):
general. Ella Kennen is theCoordinator for the New CT
Farmer Alliance, or the NCTFA,and Ella focuses on advocacy and
fighting for Connecticutfarmers. And Kaitlyn Kimball is
the Director of Agriculture atCitySeed in New Haven. And she
has a farm, Sunset Organic Farmin Naugatuck, and she is a
member of the NCTFA policyworking group. And welcome to
(01:06):
The Paid Leave Podcast. Ella andCaitlin. Thank you so much for
being here.
Ella Kennen (01:09):
Thank you for having us.
Nancy Barrow (01:10):
Well, Ella, let me just start with you. What do you
do as the Coordinator of the NewCT Farmers Alliance, and who are
you helping?
Ella Kennen (01:17):
So I'll start with who am I helping, which is or
who NCTFA is helping, which isbeginning farmers, which the
USDA defines as people in theirfirst 10 years of farming. So
that's quite a quite a longstretch of time. And
particularly, Nick for focuseson first generation, beginning
farmers. So so people whohaven't come from the land,
people who need to figure outhow to farm from day one, from
(01:39):
the ground up. That's, that'sour main constituency, though. I
would like to say that we aresort of big fans of small,
diversified farmers in allforms, and regardless of how
many generations they've beenfarming.
Nancy Barrow (01:51):
How many farmers are there in Connecticut?
Ella Kennen (01:54):
There are well over 3000 farmers in Connecticut. 1/3
of them are beginning farmers.
So it's quite a robust group ofpeople.
Nancy Barrow (02:02):
Wow. What is the National Young Farmers
Coalition?
Ella Kennen (02:06):
The Young Farmers Coalition is an organization
that supports beginning farmersagain nationwide, because
beginning farmers have differentneeds than generational farmers.
The most daunting thing aboutfarming is land access. It's
expensive. If you are cominginto a farm as a second
(02:29):
generation or seventh generationfarmer, you have that land. You
also have the infrastructurenecessary to farm. Whereas
beginning farmers have to startfrom the ground up, so they have
needs that other farmers don't.
Additionally, they have tofigure out all the work behind
it, how to be an entrepreneur,how to understand the soils, the
weather, the things that you'reproducing. So there's just a
barrier there that other farmersdon't have, and young farmers
(02:51):
nationwide works to advocate forpolicy and education that serves
us needs.
Nancy Barrow (02:59):
Is it hard to attract young people to farming?
Are you finding that youngerpeople are getting into farming
because it's it's cool.
Ella Kennen (03:05):
So I'm going to say that NCTFA is not in the
attracting business. Farming isintellectually, emotionally,
physically, and financiallydaunting. There's a lot of
reasons not to farm, but somepeople feel compelled to farm
anyways. And I'm glad to saythat the number of young farmers
is growing, which is reallyimportant, because the average
(03:27):
age of farmers in Connecticutand nationwide is about 59 and
so we need, we need that nextgeneration and and it's
happening. It's happening.
People feel compelled toreconnect with the land, and
people are realizing that thefood that they're getting is not
serving them is making theirthem and their families sick,
and they want to do somethingdifferent, right? So, so this
(03:48):
next generation of farmers iscoming, and our job is to help
them through all those dauntingchallenges.
Nancy Barrow (03:58):
And Kaitlyn, can you tell me about what you do as
Director of Agriculture atCitySeed.
Kaitlyn Kimball (04:03):
So I oversee our network of farmers markets
in New Haven. So city seed runsall of the farmers markets in
New Haven. There are four. So Ioversee the, you know, the
programming, vendor,recruitment, development,
fundraising, all of ournutrition benefit, you know,
logging and promotion. I also dosome policy work. So I work with
(04:27):
Ella and the new Connecticutfarmer Alliance. I'm also on the
board for CT NOFA, the Northeastorganic farming Association in
Connecticut. And so, you know, Iwork with, I dovetail on a lot
of the great work of theseorganizations to help advance
policies that support new andbeginning farmers, bipoc
(04:48):
farmers, as well as moresustainable solutions for
farmers in the face of climatechange and other things.
Nancy Barrow (04:56):
Tell me about your farm. Sunset Organic Farm in
Naugatuck. Do. What do you growand how did you start doing
this?
Kaitlyn Kimball (05:03):
So my husband and I, my husband, Lawrence and
I started sunset farm in 2019 weboth had other careers before
farming. We're first generationfarmers. I was a high school
English teacher for 12 years,and my husband worked at a
company that builds Broadwayshow sets. So he's a very
skilled carpenter and welder. Wehave a little bit of land at our
(05:26):
house that we own, and then overthe years, we've expanded quite
a bit. So we started with aboutan acre and a half at our home,
and then we started leasing someland from the town of Naugatuck.
So that was about five acres asof last year, we're now at two
locations. So we started leasingland in Milford, which is about
(05:46):
10 acres. So since 2019 with ourlittle field of garlic and some
lettuce, we're now on 15 acresacross two locations. We employ
11 people. We're certified,yeah, we're certified organic,
so we were the first USDACertified Farm in both Naugatuck
and Milford. And, you know, wehave a large CSA. We attend
(06:10):
farmers markets, we do Farm toSchool sales. And we've also
been able to donate quite a bitof food this year, which was,
has always been a goal of ours.
Nancy Barrow (06:18):
Which is amazing.
And what is the typical day foryou?
Kaitlyn Kimball (06:22):
So, I mean, I do have two small children, so
that that also is a layer on topof this. So my mornings usually
start with my children, gettingthem up, making them breakfast.
And then we're usually splitacross the two locations with
our crew. So my husband isusually Manning one crew. I'm
manning the other. It's acombination of harvesting,
(06:43):
preparing for the market,preparing for our wholesale
sales, and then infrastructuretype projects. So today, for
example, I woke up and we didsome harvesting. We're doing
some weeding of our herbs. We'repreparing to open our farm stand
in Milford, which I forgot tomention earlier. We have a farm
(07:04):
stand in Milford a few days aweek. And then, you know, we
will be doing some moreharvesting, and I think
stringing up some peppers latertoday. So shouldn't be too hot
today. So should be a great day.
Nancy Barrow (07:18):
So it's National Farmers Market Week. Tell me
about farmers markets and howimportant they are to the
community.
Kaitlyn Kimball (07:24):
So there are over 100 farmers markets in
Connecticut. We have a reallyrobust system, and I think one
of the things that is socompelling about them is that
it's a chance for people to getoutside and connect with each
other, not only get freshproduce from farms that you know
and people that you have aconnection with, but also just
(07:45):
to gather in a sense ofcommunity. It's a really neat
thing. And another thing thatfarmers markets do, to some
extent in Connecticut is providea layer of food security. And I
hope that Kaitlyn, you can talkmore about the fmnp program and
what that means.
Nancy Barrow (07:58):
Oh, yeah. What is that program?
Kaitlyn Kimball (08:00):
Yes, so the Farmers Market Nutrition Program
is the state provided nutritionbenefit. It is for people who
receive WIC and then qualifyingseniors, SNAP the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program isthe is a federal program. And so
the, yeah, the FMMP is the stateone. There's an app, or there's
(08:24):
a card that people receive, andthey can use it at certified
farmers markets. I think certainmarkets are super important to
the local economy, to farmers.
You know, in a state likeConnecticut that is made up
primarily of small to mid sizefarms. There are a lot of retail
sales, so direct to consumer,and that is what supports a lot
(08:48):
of farmers. So, you know, withover 100 farmers markets, that
is the main method that peopleuse. I really enjoy, you know,
our farm primarily makes itsincome from farmers markets, and
we really enjoy talking topeople directly, like our work
is very hard, so it's verygratifying to meet with people
in person and to have peoplecompliment the produce or ask
(09:10):
questions, because can be kindof isolating at the farm when
it's just you and the plants youknow, in the soil. I also think
there is something to be saidabout communing and like markets
being a third space, which we'reseeing kind of disappear across
society. We talk about this. Youknow, with the markets in New
(09:31):
Haven, a lot that people comeand it's a part of their weekly
routine, right? So we havepeople that come to the city,
seed farmers markets that havebeen coming every weekend for
like 10 years, getting theirgroceries, they're seeing their
friends, they're havingsomething to eat, they're
listening to music, they'rediscussing. There's not a lot of
places like that left anymorewhere you can go and do that
(09:52):
that's not like a bar or arestaurant or your work. I also
did want to mention too, that Iam on the board of the newly
formed Connecticut FarmersMarket Association as well. And
so this is a new nonprofit thatis working towards formalizing
the network of farmers marketsin the state and offering more,
(10:13):
you know, professionaldevelopment for market managers,
just to strengthen our marketsystem that we have.
Nancy Barrow (10:21):
Are you finding that you're you're getting more
people to these farmers markets?
Kaitlyn Kimball (10:25):
Yes, it is about the they are popping up
more. But I think what we'rereally trying to promote is also
like the quality of the farmersmarkets. You know, farmers
markets differ from like streetfestivals or craft fairs or
things like that, and thatyou're really purchasing items
that you yourself are going tohave to work with, like with the
(10:48):
recipe or to cook. So a lot oftimes the crowd is a little
different than like the normalfestival or street fair crowd.
So it's really about investingpeople in purchasing local and
supporting your local economy,right, and making things from
scratch in, you know, just kindof completing the food system
(11:10):
aspect of that. So I think wewant to just strengthen the
network that we have and reallyinform people about why it's
important to support local.
Nancy Barrow (11:20):
The Connecticut Commission on Women, Children,
Equity and Opportunity wrote areport on the state of food
insecurity and and the UnitedWay does the Alice report, which
is really daunting, to see howpeople live paycheck to
paycheck, and they're finding ittough to make ends meet. And how
do these farmers markets helpthese people with their food
insecurity?
Kaitlyn Kimball (11:40):
Farmers markets are located, you know, within a
close range of where peoplelive, right? In some
communities, there are not a lotof grocery stores or places to
buy food, right? And so afarmers market might be an
easier way for you to accessthat, I think, especially in
(12:00):
urban centers like Bridgeport,New Haven, Hartford, Waterbury,
you know, a farmer's marketmight be your only outlet to
purchase like high quality freshproduce, because the quality
might be lacking, or the supplyin the grocery store that is not
located near you and that youmight have trouble accessing,
right? So then we get intoissues of like food apartheid,
(12:23):
nutrition benefits are extremelyimportant. Ella and I did a lot
of work advocating for, youknow, fully funding nutrition
benefits since we've seen cutsat the federal level, you know,
the state did fund theConnecticut nutrition benefits.
So the Farmers Market NutritionProgram at similar levels than
(12:43):
in previous years. There weren'tas drastic of cuts as at the
federal level. So I think, youknow, especially at City seed in
New Haven, we're really, reallyabout promoting food access and
equity and being able to accessfood. So regardless of your
location in the state,regardless of your income status
or what neighborhood you livein, we believe that you have
(13:07):
access, you should have access,to fresh food. And I think, you
know, just to add on to Ella'scomment around the small farms,
you know, I think there's a lotof work to do around the
public's perception of what afarm is and what farmers are.
You know, I think that's basedon the kinds of policies and
(13:30):
systems that our government hasset up right which are largely
to support very large andespecially commodity growers, so
corn, wheat, soy, things likethat. Connecticut is unique
because, one, it's a very smallstate, right? So it's one of the
smallest states, and sotherefore there is less land.
(13:52):
And you know, like I saidbefore, the majority of the
farms in the state do qualify assmall to mid size, given their
size and like their revenue, buta lot of the systems that we
have aren't set up to supportsmall to mid size farms, so
that's why it can be challengingfor farms like myself to grow.
(14:13):
There's also so many youngpeople in Connecticut that want
to transition into farming, kindof like I did and across the
nation, and land access is justa huge issue, right? So people
are farming across multiplelocations, like I am. I know
several beginning farmers aredoing that same thing. People
are trying to farm in urbanspaces, like in empty lots, or
(14:35):
working with their cities forthat. So I just think it's
really important for people tosupport the smaller farms,
they're usually morediversified. So small farms
usually grow like a longer listof crops than just these larger
farms who are maybe growing ahandful of things. And you know,
(14:55):
there's a lot of that direct toconsumer stuff, like I talked
about at the farmers market.
Market that can really help abusiness, a business grow like
mine.
Ella Kennen (15:03):
You had mentioned food security within the context
of farmers markets. And farmersmarkets for such a long list of
reasons, are fantastic things,but they're not the only tool in
the toolbox, right? And so weneed to think wider. There's
local food purchasing agreementsfor food banks and food hubs and
(15:26):
for schools. And the federalgovernment, earlier this year
took away most or all of thatfunding, which is very
devastating. Fortunately, inConnecticut, the legislature
understood the need and providedfunding back to schools to be
able to purchase local foods.
The Food hubs are not in as anamazing I mean, I'm sorry not
(15:51):
the food hubs, the food banks,are not in an amazing space.
Farmers markets are a greatsolution, but they're also a
very privileged solution in thatyou need to be able to access
that place when it's open, andneed to be able to have the time
to go grocery shopping somewhereelse, because you can't get all
your food needs at the farmersmarket, and so we need to make
(16:12):
sure that food security is beingaddressed at all levels, in all
places.
Nancy Barrow (16:18):
Yeah, I think that's a really good point. Why
don't we just segue right thereto the legislative session? Tell
me how this last legislativesession helped farmers. How did
it go?
Ella Kennen (16:29):
Well Caitlin was just talking about land access,
and land access being one of thebiggest issues, and so we're
very excited to say that one ofthe things that was passed this
year is a very robust landaccess bill. Now that won't
actually come into fruition fora couple of years, so we'll have
to come back to you in a fewyears and see how the
(16:50):
implementation of that goes. Butthere is going to be, hopefully,
a historic amount of moneyavailable for farmers to be able
to access and maintain farmlandas working farmland. So that's
very exciting. Yeah, the otherthing that happened was, the
other big thing that happened, alot of things happened, is a
good legislative year at thestate level for farmers, and I'm
(17:14):
just so happy about thebipartisan support that farmers
experienced. So the other bigthing that happened was the mini
farm bill, which actually has 12different components to it. I
won't list them all, but some ofthem include tax credits so that
(17:34):
farmers can invest in their farminfrastructure, a manure
management program that's goingto be ruled out liability
protection for Agribusiness sothat farmers can diversify their
their business models, and thenthe farmers crop loss
(17:56):
reimbursement grant program,which speaks directly to climate
change and an acute weatherevents.
Nancy Barrow (18:07):
Yeah, and let's talk about that last couple of
years, the extreme weatherevents, whether it's rain, hail,
wind, whatever it is, how doesthat help farmers? Like how?
What are we? What are we doingthat can help the farmers when
they lose the crops, what istheir main income?
Kaitlyn Kimball (18:26):
My farm has a lot of experience with this,
unfortunately. So our farmflooded in August of last year.
It was a very localized rainevent in like the Oxford,
Naugatuck South Barrie area. Wehad 14 inches of rain in 12
hours, like, I forget the exactdate, but in the third week of
(18:48):
August, and so we are up on amountain. So we had some pretty
heavy erosion. We lost twoaccess roads. We had a field
like completely eroded on oneside, on a slope. We have a
field somewhat down the mountainthat had about a foot of water
in it for several days. So wehad a lot of crop loss. We had,
(19:09):
like, infrastructure damage. Youknow, I think the big thing that
people do not realize is thatthe majority of farms in
Connecticut and across the US donot have crop insurance because
it's not designed for farms ofof our size. So it's, it's a
(19:30):
federal, you know, crop the croploss Insurance Program is a
federal program. However you useprivate insurers. There are a
handful of private insurers inConnecticut, and we actually met
with them after this rain event.
And they only ensure a handfulof vegetables. It's usually like
corn, tomatoes, and then maybesome other things, and then a
(19:51):
lot of like tree fruit andthings like that. And also, you
know, commodities, corn, wheat,soy, we had to grow with this
particular. Sure that we metwith we had to grow a minimum of
two acres of tomatoes to havethem be covered through
insurance. The premium wasseveral $100 a month, and then
the payout was several $1,000which two acres of tomatoes
(20:13):
certified organic is quite morethan several $1,000 and we're
not growing two acres oftomatoes because we're a
diversified farm. Yeah, so Iit's just important to because
after that happened, a lot ofpeople just said, Oh, well, you
have insurance. So it's fine, wehave general liability insurance
for our business, but many farmsdo not have crop insurance. So I
think it's about, it's, youknow, it's really important to
(20:37):
educate people on how thatworks, because most farmers are
left with nothing after thingslike that happen. A lot of
people turn to gofundmes orother fundraisers, or they take
out debt, right? So that is whatwe're seeing happening. We
recently got a line of creditwith our farm this past year,
(20:57):
and when I was going through ourvarious loan options and talking
to someone at FSA, at the FarmService Agency, you know, they
had commented that they'rehaving more and more people
default on their lines of creditbecause they're not able to pay
them back due to a variety ofthings, not just weather events,
but weather events are kind ofpushing people further into
that, you know, including Therising cost of labor, the rising
(21:20):
cost of supplies, the cost offood going down. And so, you
know, there is no state fundcurrently that it was just
passed into legislation, butthere had been no state fund to
cover farmers through thisthere. There's a block grant
that's coming from the USDA.
(21:41):
Hopefully, you know that thenortheastern states, in Hawaii
and Alaska received to you know,we could apply for funds that to
make us whole from these damagesfrom previous years. But this
legislation is exciting. I alsohave questions like Ella about
how it will be implemented.
Farmers need kind of like anemergency thing. When something
(22:02):
drastic like that happens that'sout of your control, right?
Nancy Barrow (22:08):
There should be some kind of emergency funding
for farmers, because it's anatural disaster. You would hope
that they would help thefarmers, but you're finding
that's not the case, or withthis new legislation, it will
be.
Kaitlyn Kimball (22:19):
Yes, other states have adopted models that,
and we discussed this a lot whenwe were advocating for this
legislation where, you know, thestate had worked with, like the
United Way or Another nonprofitto raise funds and then
distribute those Connecticut hadnot done that yet. And so, you
know, we're just excited to seethat people are paying attention
(22:41):
and really starting tounderstand about how devastating
these losses can be. And sothere's a lot of farmers
advocating for this. There's alot of great organizations. And
so I look forward to seeing howthis can be implemented. And,
you know, I really hope that theweather stabilizes a little bit
more. It's just what we're whatI'm seeing is like farmers are
(23:03):
really in tune with the weather.
It's just more extremes. Likewhen it rains, it rains several
inches, exactly, yeah, 90 plusfor several days. It's it's just
more extremes.
Nancy Barrow (23:16):
It is national farm workers Appreciation Day in
August and Caitlin, what doesthat mean for you? You have
workers. How important are farmworkers to the success of your
farm?
Kaitlyn Kimball (23:26):
So we couldn't do what we do without our
employees, without our crew,we've been very lucky to to work
with some amazing, hard,working, diligent people, so I'm
very thankful for that, youknow? I think there's, like, the
(23:46):
this, the conversation inConnecticut, and then also, like
the national conversation,right? So, you know, I think
there's a lot of of people inConnecticut who are really
trying to advance, like just thepositions of farm workers,
right? There's actually a groupthat came out of Nick for labor
(24:10):
management group where a groupof farmers meet and we discuss
some of the challenges andsuccesses and just experiences
that we have as employers. And alot of farmer farm employers in
Connecticut are really trying tojust raise the bar for what we
offer our employees. So we'repaying above market wages. We're
offering other benefits, youknow, like paid sick time,
(24:33):
professional developmentstipends, equipment stipends or
tool stipends, because that thatis we're trying to solve this,
like farmer crisis issue, like,farming is not an attractive job
in many ways, right? Like, it'sreally hard, physically,
emotionally, you don't make alot of money. And so I think,
you know, I'm proud to say thatwe do try to offer attractive
(24:58):
benefits like that and show ouremployees. That we really value
them, you know, I think that'simportant. As far as the
national conversation. You know,a lot of people don't realize
that the majority of our food inthe grocery store comes from
California, right? And largelypasses through migrant workers,
hands that are paid and atextremely low rate, that have
(25:19):
very little worker protections,things like that. And so, you
know, we need to talk aboutthat, and we need to discuss
that. And people who are growingand harvesting our food, you
know, deserve, deserve legalprotections, deserve fair pay.
So, you know, I think that'sjust important to mention
overall.
Nancy Barrow (25:37):
Yeah, and I some Connecticut farm positions are
permanent, and I've seen somecome across, that they're
looking for a permanent personto work at their farm, and there
are seasonal workers like you'retalking about, and they're so
important to farmers. And itmight be a good time to talk
about Connecticut Paid Leave,because they do help small
farmers who may be a sole propor an LLC. Small farmers can opt
(26:01):
into the Connecticut paid leaveprogram and take that half a
percent deduction out of theirpaycheck, and they can be
covered, after a three monthwaiting period, for a period of
three years. So if you're havinga baby or you're adding to the
family or fostering or adoptingor you have a serious health
condition, you can get up to 12weeks of income replacement in a
year to use in a block orintermittently or reduced
(26:23):
schedule, so there's flexibilitythere. And as your farm grows
and your hire people like youhave Caitlin, whether permanent
or seasonally, they may becovered if they meet the
financial criteria and can usethe Connecticut Paid Leave
benefits as well for their ownserious health condition, or if
they're having a baby or or theyhave a loved one that has a
serious health condition. Howimportant are programs like
(26:45):
Connecticut Paid Leave tofarmers and their workers, that
you can offer this to them, eventhe seasonal workers?
Kaitlyn Kimball (26:52):
It is another benefit, right? We're very lucky
to live in a state that supportsthis. So, yeah, it is another
benefit to, you know, makingthat transition into being a
parent more supportive and helpsme as the employer, kind of
offset some of that financialresponsibility if I were, you
(27:15):
know, to be supporting someonehaving a child. So I'm very
thankful for this option. I'mreally grateful that, that I
would be able to offer this toour employees. And, you know, I
think, I think it just makes iteasier to employ people long
term. You know, we, there aremany seasonal workers in
Connecticut. We are a fourseason farm, so we do keep some
(27:38):
people on in the winter. So thiswould just be a great way to to
help with that.
Nancy Barrow (27:42):
Yeah, I think it's, I think it is just another
layer of protection, right, forfor you and for your workers.
Ella Kennen (27:49):
Right. I do want to speak really quickly to like it
is potentially, if farmerschoose to participate in it is
potentially a huge benefit forfarmers too, right? Because
bodies and physicality are suchan instrumental part of farming,
and the seasons don't wait foryou. If you are out for for two
weeks, that's that's income thatyou're losing six weeks in the
(28:14):
future or 12 weeks in thefuture, right? And so to have
some sort of thing so thatfarmers don't need to so heavily
fear what an injury will do fortheir year. It's worth of
income, right? I think is areally important benefit.
Nancy Barrow (28:30):
What would you like to have people take away
from this podcast with you?
Kaitlyn Kimball (28:34):
I think the more people learn about the
different kinds of farmingoperations that are in
Connecticut, and you know, someof the reasons why we're
passionate about what we do andthe kinds of products we grow
and what we love to do, also thechallenges that we face, I would
hope that people would feelcompelled to shop local. I say
(28:57):
this a lot. It can be veryoverwhelming to be hit with so
much information about theimportance of shopping local,
and you almost have, like,decision fatigue a little bit,
and you get overwhelmed and shutdown and say, Okay, well, this
is too much. If you could committo purchasing 20, 30% of your
groceries locally, it wouldchange a farmer's life, right?
(29:18):
So, like our repeat customers,have changed my life because
they have funded my business tothe point where it's grown. I'm
employing people, right? Andthat's because of our CSA
members. That's because ofpeople that shop with us. I
think just learn more. Thereare, there is a farm located
near you. There are meatproducers, you know, produce
producers, dairy, other things.
And so I would just encourageyou to to search out a local
(29:43):
farm near you and to participateright in that process. It would,
it would really change the lifeof a farmer near you to have
another customer.
Nancy Barrow (29:52):
I love that. I think that's brilliant. What
about you? Ella.
Ella Kennen (29:56):
Well, so I agree with with everything that
Kaitlyn said, but to. To anyaspiring farmers who are out
there listening. Farming is notfor everyone. It's really hard
on multiple dimensions. But ifyou feel called to do it, know
that there's a really robust,fantastic, enthusiastic,
intelligent, thoughtfulcommunity out there who's who's
(30:19):
willing to help you on yourjourney, you're not alone.
Kaitlyn Kimball (30:22):
We are farming in a state that has one of the
biggest income disparities inthe United States, right as far
as highest income, lowestincome, and so, you know, we
are, we are really trying toserve all Connecticut residents
and make food accessible toeveryone. And so I think you
(30:45):
know, as one of the smalleststates, as one of the states
with one of those biggest gaps,like I said, we're in a really
unique position, and there arejust so many young farmers
stepping up to this task thatwant to take this on. And so
there's a lot of great farms youcan support in Connecticut.
Nancy Barrow (30:59):
I want to thank my two guests, Ella Kennen, is the
Coordinator of the NewConnecticut Farmers Alliance,
and Kaitlyn Kimball, who's theDirector of Agriculture at
CitySeed, and also has her farm,Sunset Oganic Farm. Thank you
both for being on The Paid LeavePodcast. It was a real pleasure
talking to both of you.
Ella Kennen (31:16):
Thank you so much
Kaitlyn Kimball (31:18):
Yes, thanks for having us!
Nancy Barrow (31:19):
For more information or to apply for
benefits, please go toctpaidleave.org. This has been
another edition of The PaidLeave Podcast. Please like and
subscribe so you'll be notifiedabout new podcasts that become
available Connecticut Paid Leaveis a public act with a personal
purpose. I'm Nancy Barrow, andthanks for listening!
Hello Connecticut, and welcome to The Paid Leave
Podcast. The title basicallysays it all. I'm Nancy Barrow,
and I will be delving into thisnew state program and how it can
help you and your family. Thispodcast will give you
information you should knowabout Connecticut Paid Leave and
maybe just a little bit more.
Connecticut Paid Leave bringspeace of mind to your home,
(00:22):
family and workplace. Welcome tothe paid leave podcast.
It is National Farmers Marketweek, August 3 through the
ninth, and it's national farmworker Appreciation Day on
August 6, and I have two guestswho can lend their expertise on
these two observances andfarmers in Connecticut in
(00:43):
general. Ella Kennen is theCoordinator for the New CT
Farmer Alliance, or the NCTFA,and Ella focuses on advocacy and
fighting for Connecticutfarmers. And Kaitlyn Kimball is
the Director of Agriculture atCitySeed in New Haven. And she
has a farm, Sunset Organic Farmin Naugatuck, and she is a
member of the NCTFA policyworking group. And welcome to
(01:06):
The Paid Leave Podcast. Ella andCaitlin. Thank you so much for
being here.
Ella Kennen (01:09):
Thank you for having us.
Nancy Barrow (01:10):
Well, Ella, let me just start with you. What do you
do as the Coordinator of the NewCT Farmers Alliance, and who are
you helping?
Ella Kennen (01:17):
So I'll start with who am I helping, which is or
who NCTFA is helping, which isbeginning farmers, which the
USDA defines as people in theirfirst 10 years of farming. So
that's quite a quite a longstretch of time. And
particularly, Nick for focuseson first generation, beginning
farmers. So so people whohaven't come from the land,
people who need to figure outhow to farm from day one, from
(01:39):
the ground up. That's, that'sour main constituency, though. I
would like to say that we aresort of big fans of small,
diversified farmers in allforms, and regardless of how
many generations they've beenfarming.
Nancy Barrow (01:51):
How many farmers are there in Connecticut?
Ella Kennen (01:54):
There are well over 3000 farmers in Connecticut. 1/3
of them are beginning farmers.
So it's quite a robust group ofpeople.
Nancy Barrow (02:02):
Wow. What is the National Young Farmers
Coalition?
Ella Kennen (02:06):
The Young Farmers Coalition is an organization
that supports beginning farmersagain nationwide, because
beginning farmers have differentneeds than generational farmers.
The most daunting thing aboutfarming is land access. It's
expensive. If you are cominginto a farm as a second
(02:29):
generation or seventh generationfarmer, you have that land. You
also have the infrastructurenecessary to farm. Whereas
beginning farmers have to startfrom the ground up, so they have
needs that other farmers don't.
Additionally, they have tofigure out all the work behind
it, how to be an entrepreneur,how to understand the soils, the
weather, the things that you'reproducing. So there's just a
barrier there that other farmersdon't have, and young farmers
(02:51):
nationwide works to advocate forpolicy and education that serves
us needs.
Nancy Barrow (02:59):
Is it hard to attract young people to farming?
Are you finding that youngerpeople are getting into farming
because it's it's cool.
Ella Kennen (03:05):
So I'm going to say that NCTFA is not in the
attracting business. Farming isintellectually, emotionally,
physically, and financiallydaunting. There's a lot of
reasons not to farm, but somepeople feel compelled to farm
anyways. And I'm glad to saythat the number of young farmers
is growing, which is reallyimportant, because the average
(03:27):
age of farmers in Connecticutand nationwide is about 59 and
so we need, we need that nextgeneration and and it's
happening. It's happening.
People feel compelled toreconnect with the land, and
people are realizing that thefood that they're getting is not
serving them is making theirthem and their families sick,
and they want to do somethingdifferent, right? So, so this
(03:48):
next generation of farmers iscoming, and our job is to help
them through all those dauntingchallenges.
Nancy Barrow (03:58):
And Kaitlyn, can you tell me about what you do as
Director of Agriculture atCitySeed.
Kaitlyn Kimball (04:03):
So I oversee our network of farmers markets
in New Haven. So city seed runsall of the farmers markets in
New Haven. There are four. So Ioversee the, you know, the
programming, vendor,recruitment, development,
fundraising, all of ournutrition benefit, you know,
logging and promotion. I also dosome policy work. So I work with
(04:27):
Ella and the new Connecticutfarmer Alliance. I'm also on the
board for CT NOFA, the Northeastorganic farming Association in
Connecticut. And so, you know, Iwork with, I dovetail on a lot
of the great work of theseorganizations to help advance
policies that support new andbeginning farmers, bipoc
(04:48):
farmers, as well as moresustainable solutions for
farmers in the face of climatechange and other things.
Nancy Barrow (04:56):
Tell me about your farm. Sunset Organic Farm in
Naugatuck. Do. What do you growand how did you start doing
this?
Kaitlyn Kimball (05:03):
So my husband and I, my husband, Lawrence and
I started sunset farm in 2019 weboth had other careers before
farming. We're first generationfarmers. I was a high school
English teacher for 12 years,and my husband worked at a
company that builds Broadwayshow sets. So he's a very
skilled carpenter and welder. Wehave a little bit of land at our
(05:26):
house that we own, and then overthe years, we've expanded quite
a bit. So we started with aboutan acre and a half at our home,
and then we started leasing someland from the town of Naugatuck.
So that was about five acres asof last year, we're now at two
locations. So we started leasingland in Milford, which is about
(05:46):
10 acres. So since 2019 with ourlittle field of garlic and some
lettuce, we're now on 15 acresacross two locations. We employ
11 people. We're certified,yeah, we're certified organic,
so we were the first USDACertified Farm in both Naugatuck
and Milford. And, you know, wehave a large CSA. We attend
(06:10):
farmers markets, we do Farm toSchool sales. And we've also
been able to donate quite a bitof food this year, which was,
has always been a goal of ours.
Nancy Barrow (06:18):
Which is amazing.
And what is the typical day foryou?
Kaitlyn Kimball (06:22):
So, I mean, I do have two small children, so
that that also is a layer on topof this. So my mornings usually
start with my children, gettingthem up, making them breakfast.
And then we're usually splitacross the two locations with
our crew. So my husband isusually Manning one crew. I'm
manning the other. It's acombination of harvesting,
(06:43):
preparing for the market,preparing for our wholesale
sales, and then infrastructuretype projects. So today, for
example, I woke up and we didsome harvesting. We're doing
some weeding of our herbs. We'repreparing to open our farm stand
in Milford, which I forgot tomention earlier. We have a farm
(07:04):
stand in Milford a few days aweek. And then, you know, we
will be doing some moreharvesting, and I think
stringing up some peppers latertoday. So shouldn't be too hot
today. So should be a great day.
Nancy Barrow (07:18):
So it's National Farmers Market Week. Tell me
about farmers markets and howimportant they are to the
community.
Kaitlyn Kimball (07:24):
So there are over 100 farmers markets in
Connecticut. We have a reallyrobust system, and I think one
of the things that is socompelling about them is that
it's a chance for people to getoutside and connect with each
other, not only get freshproduce from farms that you know
and people that you have aconnection with, but also just
(07:45):
to gather in a sense ofcommunity. It's a really neat
thing. And another thing thatfarmers markets do, to some
extent in Connecticut is providea layer of food security. And I
hope that Kaitlyn, you can talkmore about the fmnp program and
what that means.
Nancy Barrow (07:58):
Oh, yeah. What is that program?
Kaitlyn Kimball (08:00):
Yes, so the Farmers Market Nutrition Program
is the state provided nutritionbenefit. It is for people who
receive WIC and then qualifyingseniors, SNAP the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program isthe is a federal program. And so
the, yeah, the FMMP is the stateone. There's an app, or there's
(08:24):
a card that people receive, andthey can use it at certified
farmers markets. I think certainmarkets are super important to
the local economy, to farmers.
You know, in a state likeConnecticut that is made up
primarily of small to mid sizefarms. There are a lot of retail
sales, so direct to consumer,and that is what supports a lot
(08:48):
of farmers. So, you know, withover 100 farmers markets, that
is the main method that peopleuse. I really enjoy, you know,
our farm primarily makes itsincome from farmers markets, and
we really enjoy talking topeople directly, like our work
is very hard, so it's verygratifying to meet with people
in person and to have peoplecompliment the produce or ask
(09:10):
questions, because can be kindof isolating at the farm when
it's just you and the plants youknow, in the soil. I also think
there is something to be saidabout communing and like markets
being a third space, which we'reseeing kind of disappear across
society. We talk about this. Youknow, with the markets in New
(09:31):
Haven, a lot that people comeand it's a part of their weekly
routine, right? So we havepeople that come to the city,
seed farmers markets that havebeen coming every weekend for
like 10 years, getting theirgroceries, they're seeing their
friends, they're havingsomething to eat, they're
listening to music, they'rediscussing. There's not a lot of
places like that left anymorewhere you can go and do that
(09:52):
that's not like a bar or arestaurant or your work. I also
did want to mention too, that Iam on the board of the newly
formed Connecticut FarmersMarket Association as well. And
so this is a new nonprofit thatis working towards formalizing
the network of farmers marketsin the state and offering more,
(10:13):
you know, professionaldevelopment for market managers,
just to strengthen our marketsystem that we have.
Nancy Barrow (10:21):
Are you finding that you're you're getting more
people to these farmers markets?
Kaitlyn Kimball (10:25):
Yes, it is about the they are popping up
more. But I think what we'rereally trying to promote is also
like the quality of the farmersmarkets. You know, farmers
markets differ from like streetfestivals or craft fairs or
things like that, and thatyou're really purchasing items
that you yourself are going tohave to work with, like with the
(10:48):
recipe or to cook. So a lot oftimes the crowd is a little
different than like the normalfestival or street fair crowd.
So it's really about investingpeople in purchasing local and
supporting your local economy,right, and making things from
scratch in, you know, just kindof completing the food system
(11:10):
aspect of that. So I think wewant to just strengthen the
network that we have and reallyinform people about why it's
important to support local.
Nancy Barrow (11:20):
The Connecticut Commission on Women, Children,
Equity and Opportunity wrote areport on the state of food
insecurity and and the UnitedWay does the Alice report, which
is really daunting, to see howpeople live paycheck to
paycheck, and they're finding ittough to make ends meet. And how
do these farmers markets helpthese people with their food
insecurity?
Kaitlyn Kimball (11:40):
Farmers markets are located, you know, within a
close range of where peoplelive, right? In some
communities, there are not a lotof grocery stores or places to
buy food, right? And so afarmers market might be an
easier way for you to accessthat, I think, especially in
(12:00):
urban centers like Bridgeport,New Haven, Hartford, Waterbury,
you know, a farmer's marketmight be your only outlet to
purchase like high quality freshproduce, because the quality
might be lacking, or the supplyin the grocery store that is not
located near you and that youmight have trouble accessing,
right? So then we get intoissues of like food apartheid,
(12:23):
nutrition benefits are extremelyimportant. Ella and I did a lot
of work advocating for, youknow, fully funding nutrition
benefits since we've seen cutsat the federal level, you know,
the state did fund theConnecticut nutrition benefits.
So the Farmers Market NutritionProgram at similar levels than
(12:43):
in previous years. There weren'tas drastic of cuts as at the
federal level. So I think, youknow, especially at City seed in
New Haven, we're really, reallyabout promoting food access and
equity and being able to accessfood. So regardless of your
location in the state,regardless of your income status
or what neighborhood you livein, we believe that you have
(13:07):
access, you should have access,to fresh food. And I think, you
know, just to add on to Ella'scomment around the small farms,
you know, I think there's a lotof work to do around the
public's perception of what afarm is and what farmers are.
You know, I think that's basedon the kinds of policies and
(13:30):
systems that our government hasset up right which are largely
to support very large andespecially commodity growers, so
corn, wheat, soy, things likethat. Connecticut is unique
because, one, it's a very smallstate, right? So it's one of the
smallest states, and sotherefore there is less land.
(13:52):
And you know, like I saidbefore, the majority of the
farms in the state do qualify assmall to mid size, given their
size and like their revenue, buta lot of the systems that we
have aren't set up to supportsmall to mid size farms, so
that's why it can be challengingfor farms like myself to grow.
(14:13):
There's also so many youngpeople in Connecticut that want
to transition into farming, kindof like I did and across the
nation, and land access is justa huge issue, right? So people
are farming across multiplelocations, like I am. I know
several beginning farmers aredoing that same thing. People
are trying to farm in urbanspaces, like in empty lots, or
(14:35):
working with their cities forthat. So I just think it's
really important for people tosupport the smaller farms,
they're usually morediversified. So small farms
usually grow like a longer listof crops than just these larger
farms who are maybe growing ahandful of things. And you know,
(14:55):
there's a lot of that direct toconsumer stuff, like I talked
about at the farmers market.
Market that can really help abusiness, a business grow like
mine.
Ella Kennen (15:03):
You had mentioned food security within the context
of farmers markets. And farmersmarkets for such a long list of
reasons, are fantastic things,but they're not the only tool in
the toolbox, right? And so weneed to think wider. There's
local food purchasing agreementsfor food banks and food hubs and
(15:26):
for schools. And the federalgovernment, earlier this year
took away most or all of thatfunding, which is very
devastating. Fortunately, inConnecticut, the legislature
understood the need and providedfunding back to schools to be
able to purchase local foods.
The Food hubs are not in as anamazing I mean, I'm sorry not
(15:51):
the food hubs, the food banks,are not in an amazing space.
Farmers markets are a greatsolution, but they're also a
very privileged solution in thatyou need to be able to access
that place when it's open, andneed to be able to have the time
to go grocery shopping somewhereelse, because you can't get all
your food needs at the farmersmarket, and so we need to make
(16:12):
sure that food security is beingaddressed at all levels, in all
places.
Nancy Barrow (16:18):
Yeah, I think that's a really good point. Why
don't we just segue right thereto the legislative session? Tell
me how this last legislativesession helped farmers. How did
it go?
Ella Kennen (16:29):
Well Caitlin was just talking about land access,
and land access being one of thebiggest issues, and so we're
very excited to say that one ofthe things that was passed this
year is a very robust landaccess bill. Now that won't
actually come into fruition fora couple of years, so we'll have
to come back to you in a fewyears and see how the
(16:50):
implementation of that goes. Butthere is going to be, hopefully,
a historic amount of moneyavailable for farmers to be able
to access and maintain farmlandas working farmland. So that's
very exciting. Yeah, the otherthing that happened was, the
other big thing that happened, alot of things happened, is a
good legislative year at thestate level for farmers, and I'm
(17:14):
just so happy about thebipartisan support that farmers
experienced. So the other bigthing that happened was the mini
farm bill, which actually has 12different components to it. I
won't list them all, but some ofthem include tax credits so that
(17:34):
farmers can invest in their farminfrastructure, a manure
management program that's goingto be ruled out liability
protection for Agribusiness sothat farmers can diversify their
their business models, and thenthe farmers crop loss
(17:56):
reimbursement grant program,which speaks directly to climate
change and an acute weatherevents.
Nancy Barrow (18:07):
Yeah, and let's talk about that last couple of
years, the extreme weatherevents, whether it's rain, hail,
wind, whatever it is, how doesthat help farmers? Like how?
What are we? What are we doingthat can help the farmers when
they lose the crops, what istheir main income?
Kaitlyn Kimball (18:26):
My farm has a lot of experience with this,
unfortunately. So our farmflooded in August of last year.
It was a very localized rainevent in like the Oxford,
Naugatuck South Barrie area. Wehad 14 inches of rain in 12
hours, like, I forget the exactdate, but in the third week of
(18:48):
August, and so we are up on amountain. So we had some pretty
heavy erosion. We lost twoaccess roads. We had a field
like completely eroded on oneside, on a slope. We have a
field somewhat down the mountainthat had about a foot of water
in it for several days. So wehad a lot of crop loss. We had,
(19:09):
like, infrastructure damage. Youknow, I think the big thing that
people do not realize is thatthe majority of farms in
Connecticut and across the US donot have crop insurance because
it's not designed for farms ofof our size. So it's, it's a
(19:30):
federal, you know, crop the croploss Insurance Program is a
federal program. However you useprivate insurers. There are a
handful of private insurers inConnecticut, and we actually met
with them after this rain event.
And they only ensure a handfulof vegetables. It's usually like
corn, tomatoes, and then maybesome other things, and then a
(19:51):
lot of like tree fruit andthings like that. And also, you
know, commodities, corn, wheat,soy, we had to grow with this
particular. Sure that we metwith we had to grow a minimum of
two acres of tomatoes to havethem be covered through
insurance. The premium wasseveral $100 a month, and then
the payout was several $1,000which two acres of tomatoes
(20:13):
certified organic is quite morethan several $1,000 and we're
not growing two acres oftomatoes because we're a
diversified farm. Yeah, so Iit's just important to because
after that happened, a lot ofpeople just said, Oh, well, you
have insurance. So it's fine, wehave general liability insurance
for our business, but many farmsdo not have crop insurance. So I
think it's about, it's, youknow, it's really important to
(20:37):
educate people on how thatworks, because most farmers are
left with nothing after thingslike that happen. A lot of
people turn to gofundmes orother fundraisers, or they take
out debt, right? So that is whatwe're seeing happening. We
recently got a line of creditwith our farm this past year,
(20:57):
and when I was going through ourvarious loan options and talking
to someone at FSA, at the FarmService Agency, you know, they
had commented that they'rehaving more and more people
default on their lines of creditbecause they're not able to pay
them back due to a variety ofthings, not just weather events,
but weather events are kind ofpushing people further into
that, you know, including Therising cost of labor, the rising
(21:20):
cost of supplies, the cost offood going down. And so, you
know, there is no state fundcurrently that it was just
passed into legislation, butthere had been no state fund to
cover farmers through thisthere. There's a block grant
that's coming from the USDA.
(21:41):
Hopefully, you know that thenortheastern states, in Hawaii
and Alaska received to you know,we could apply for funds that to
make us whole from these damagesfrom previous years. But this
legislation is exciting. I alsohave questions like Ella about
how it will be implemented.
Farmers need kind of like anemergency thing. When something
(22:02):
drastic like that happens that'sout of your control, right?
Nancy Barrow (22:08):
There should be some kind of emergency funding
for farmers, because it's anatural disaster. You would hope
that they would help thefarmers, but you're finding
that's not the case, or withthis new legislation, it will
be.
Kaitlyn Kimball (22:19):
Yes, other states have adopted models that,
and we discussed this a lot whenwe were advocating for this
legislation where, you know, thestate had worked with, like the
United Way or Another nonprofitto raise funds and then
distribute those Connecticut hadnot done that yet. And so, you
know, we're just excited to seethat people are paying attention
(22:41):
and really starting tounderstand about how devastating
these losses can be. And sothere's a lot of farmers
advocating for this. There's alot of great organizations. And
so I look forward to seeing howthis can be implemented. And,
you know, I really hope that theweather stabilizes a little bit
more. It's just what we're whatI'm seeing is like farmers are
(23:03):
really in tune with the weather.
It's just more extremes. Likewhen it rains, it rains several
inches, exactly, yeah, 90 plusfor several days. It's it's just
more extremes.
Nancy Barrow (23:16):
It is national farm workers Appreciation Day in
August and Caitlin, what doesthat mean for you? You have
workers. How important are farmworkers to the success of your
farm?
Kaitlyn Kimball (23:26):
So we couldn't do what we do without our
employees, without our crew,we've been very lucky to to work
with some amazing, hard,working, diligent people, so I'm
very thankful for that, youknow? I think there's, like, the
(23:46):
this, the conversation inConnecticut, and then also, like
the national conversation,right? So, you know, I think
there's a lot of of people inConnecticut who are really
trying to advance, like just thepositions of farm workers,
right? There's actually a groupthat came out of Nick for labor
(24:10):
management group where a groupof farmers meet and we discuss
some of the challenges andsuccesses and just experiences
that we have as employers. And alot of farmer farm employers in
Connecticut are really trying tojust raise the bar for what we
offer our employees. So we'repaying above market wages. We're
offering other benefits, youknow, like paid sick time,
(24:33):
professional developmentstipends, equipment stipends or
tool stipends, because that thatis we're trying to solve this,
like farmer crisis issue, like,farming is not an attractive job
in many ways, right? Like, it'sreally hard, physically,
emotionally, you don't make alot of money. And so I think,
you know, I'm proud to say thatwe do try to offer attractive
(24:58):
benefits like that and show ouremployees. That we really value
them, you know, I think that'simportant. As far as the
national conversation. You know,a lot of people don't realize
that the majority of our food inthe grocery store comes from
California, right? And largelypasses through migrant workers,
hands that are paid and atextremely low rate, that have
(25:19):
very little worker protections,things like that. And so, you
know, we need to talk aboutthat, and we need to discuss
that. And people who are growingand harvesting our food, you
know, deserve, deserve legalprotections, deserve fair pay.
So, you know, I think that'sjust important to mention
overall.
Nancy Barrow (25:37):
Yeah, and I some Connecticut farm positions are
permanent, and I've seen somecome across, that they're
looking for a permanent personto work at their farm, and there
are seasonal workers like you'retalking about, and they're so
important to farmers. And itmight be a good time to talk
about Connecticut Paid Leave,because they do help small
farmers who may be a sole propor an LLC. Small farmers can opt
(26:01):
into the Connecticut paid leaveprogram and take that half a
percent deduction out of theirpaycheck, and they can be
covered, after a three monthwaiting period, for a period of
three years. So if you're havinga baby or you're adding to the
family or fostering or adoptingor you have a serious health
condition, you can get up to 12weeks of income replacement in a
year to use in a block orintermittently or reduced
(26:23):
schedule, so there's flexibilitythere. And as your farm grows
and your hire people like youhave Caitlin, whether permanent
or seasonally, they may becovered if they meet the
financial criteria and can usethe Connecticut Paid Leave
benefits as well for their ownserious health condition, or if
they're having a baby or or theyhave a loved one that has a
serious health condition. Howimportant are programs like
(26:45):
Connecticut Paid Leave tofarmers and their workers, that
you can offer this to them, eventhe seasonal workers?
Kaitlyn Kimball (26:52):
It is another benefit, right? We're very lucky
to live in a state that supportsthis. So, yeah, it is another
benefit to, you know, makingthat transition into being a
parent more supportive and helpsme as the employer, kind of
offset some of that financialresponsibility if I were, you
(27:15):
know, to be supporting someonehaving a child. So I'm very
thankful for this option. I'mreally grateful that, that I
would be able to offer this toour employees. And, you know, I
think, I think it just makes iteasier to employ people long
term. You know, we, there aremany seasonal workers in
Connecticut. We are a fourseason farm, so we do keep some
(27:38):
people on in the winter. So thiswould just be a great way to to
help with that.
Nancy Barrow (27:42):
Yeah, I think it's, I think it is just another
layer of protection, right, forfor you and for your workers.
Ella Kennen (27:49):
Right. I do want to speak really quickly to like it
is potentially, if farmerschoose to participate in it is
potentially a huge benefit forfarmers too, right? Because
bodies and physicality are suchan instrumental part of farming,
and the seasons don't wait foryou. If you are out for for two
weeks, that's that's income thatyou're losing six weeks in the
(28:14):
future or 12 weeks in thefuture, right? And so to have
some sort of thing so thatfarmers don't need to so heavily
fear what an injury will do fortheir year. It's worth of
income, right? I think is areally important benefit.
Nancy Barrow (28:30):
What would you like to have people take away
from this podcast with you?
Kaitlyn Kimball (28:34):
I think the more people learn about the
different kinds of farmingoperations that are in
Connecticut, and you know, someof the reasons why we're
passionate about what we do andthe kinds of products we grow
and what we love to do, also thechallenges that we face, I would
hope that people would feelcompelled to shop local. I say
(28:57):
this a lot. It can be veryoverwhelming to be hit with so
much information about theimportance of shopping local,
and you almost have, like,decision fatigue a little bit,
and you get overwhelmed and shutdown and say, Okay, well, this
is too much. If you could committo purchasing 20, 30% of your
groceries locally, it wouldchange a farmer's life, right?
(29:18):
So, like our repeat customers,have changed my life because
they have funded my business tothe point where it's grown. I'm
employing people, right? Andthat's because of our CSA
members. That's because ofpeople that shop with us. I
think just learn more. Thereare, there is a farm located
near you. There are meatproducers, you know, produce
producers, dairy, other things.
And so I would just encourageyou to to search out a local
(29:43):
farm near you and to participateright in that process. It would,
it would really change the lifeof a farmer near you to have
another customer.
Nancy Barrow (29:52):
I love that. I think that's brilliant. What
about you? Ella.
Ella Kennen (29:56):
Well, so I agree with with everything that
Kaitlyn said, but to. To anyaspiring farmers who are out
there listening. Farming is notfor everyone. It's really hard
on multiple dimensions. But ifyou feel called to do it, know
that there's a really robust,fantastic, enthusiastic,
intelligent, thoughtfulcommunity out there who's who's
(30:19):
willing to help you on yourjourney, you're not alone.
Kaitlyn Kimball (30:22):
We are farming in a state that has one of the
biggest income disparities inthe United States, right as far
as highest income, lowestincome, and so, you know, we
are, we are really trying toserve all Connecticut residents
and make food accessible toeveryone. And so I think you
(30:45):
know, as one of the smalleststates, as one of the states
with one of those biggest gaps,like I said, we're in a really
unique position, and there arejust so many young farmers
stepping up to this task thatwant to take this on. And so
there's a lot of great farms youcan support in Connecticut.
Nancy Barrow (30:59):
I want to thank my two guests, Ella Kennen, is the
Coordinator of the NewConnecticut Farmers Alliance,
and Kaitlyn Kimball, who's theDirector of Agriculture at
CitySeed, and also has her farm,Sunset Oganic Farm. Thank you
both for being on The Paid LeavePodcast. It was a real pleasure
talking to both of you.
Ella Kennen (31:16):
Thank you so much
Kaitlyn Kimball (31:18):
Yes, thanks for having us!
Nancy Barrow (31:19):
For more information or to apply for
benefits, please go toctpaidleave.org. This has been
another edition of The PaidLeave Podcast. Please like and
subscribe so you'll be notifiedabout new podcasts that become
available Connecticut Paid Leaveis a public act with a personal
purpose. I'm Nancy Barrow, andthanks for listening!
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