A recent article in your publication regarding a proposed housing purchase by the Rak family has prompted this letter on behalf of the New York State Wine Grape Growers.

Labor is an extremely important resource for all farming and particularly vineyard work, so consequently, we are very aware and involved with the issues that surround it. We would like to address several points raised in the article and comments that we feel are misleading if not altogether inaccurate.

While it is true that many vineyards utilize guest workers, to characterize them all as illegal — as was suggested in the comments — is patently false. Many have worked here for many years and live in and contribute to our communities in the same way as any neighbor would. They have all the appropriate documents and have every right to be here.

Asylum seekers are a group that many are concerned with due to recent news events, but that issue has nothing to do with farmworkers. There should be no confusion about that.

The Raks are employing, in part, workers obtained through the federal H2A program. This program allows farms to bring in workers for a portion of a year. They go through extensive screening and must go home at the end of their contracted period. The employer must pay at least $16.95 per hour and provide housing and transportation among other things. The housing is inspected and regulated to meet certain standards.

In addition, these jobs must be filled first by U.S. citizens if there were applicants who would like the job. This is an option many farms choose to utilize as a way of having a secure workforce in an industry where an inability to get workers could be catastrophic. It should be noted as well that most of the workers return year after year because the conditions and pay are so favorable to them.

“These people” as they were called in the article, are our friends. We work side by side with them, treat them fairly, and rely on their dedication and expertise.

New York State Wine Grape Growers supports our farmer members as they navigate a changing workforce environment and stand by the Rak family as they work to provide fair wages, housing and meaningful employment.

Chris King of Sawtooth Vineyard Management and Consulting in Hector, N.Y. is president of the board of directors of the New York State Wine Grape Growers.