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In response to growing calls for mass deportations and the rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric, the Ecology Center’s Berkeley Farmers’ Markets affirm our unwavering support for immigrant communities. As community-rooted farmers’ markets grounded in principles of justice and equity, we recognize that immigrant labor is the backbone of our food system. From farm to table, immigrant workers shape every part of how we grow, distribute, and enjoy food. They are farmworkers, farmers, chefs, drivers, vendors, organizers, and professionals—each playing a vital role.
Latine immigrants, who make up the majority of the food and farming workforce, are central to this work. Their labor, knowledge, and care are present in every meal we eat. Yet in this political moment, they are also among the most directly targeted by harmful rhetoric and immigration enforcement. Acknowledging this reality is essential to standing in real, active solidarity.
Beyond labor, the contributions of immigrant communities reflect deep legacies—generational knowledge, environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and a profound relationship with the land. These are not just acts of survival; they are expressions of identity, resilience, and excellence. To attack immigrant communities is to undermine the very foundation of the food system that nourishes us all.
The Ecology Center affirms the inherent dignity and humanity of all people, regardless of immigration status. We reject policies and actions that criminalize, dehumanize, or endanger immigrants. A just and healthy food system requires safe, inclusive, and supportive communities for everyone.
At the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets, we commit to the following:
- We will not cooperate with federal immigration officials on-site without a valid court order or legal documentation.
- We will not act on behalf of federal agencies to enforce immigration laws.
- We will not share confidential information without written consent, a court order, or legal mandate.
We call on our broader community to stay informed, stand vigilant, and act in solidarity with those whose labor, culture, and leadership sustain our food system and communities.
Together, we stand for safety, dignity, and justice for all.
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