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During World War II American farmers had severe difficulties when it came to labor, especially during the harvest season, so the Farm Security Administration (FSA) authorized the creation of farm labor camps. One in Erie County was located just outside of Brant, NY and supplied field hands and canning factory workers.
Beginning in 1943 guest workers from Jamaica were the primary occupants of the Brant tent camp. The photograph here identifies them as working for the Notaro Brothers in Farnham, NY. They had never seen tomato seedlings before, but were planting them shortly after their arrival. John Notaro said that "The Jamaicans have the spirit to work and they came just in time....This new labor supply will help us to catch up" ("Jamaicans"). Still, there are news stories from 1943-44 of the Notaro Brothers allowing neighbors free access to unharvested beans, and hastily mobilizing young Farm Cadets to assist with the picking.
Works Consulted: "Jamaicans Quick to Learn Farming Methods of North, " Buffalo News 15 June 1943: 1; "Pick 'Em Yourself and You Can Have String Beans Free," Buffalo News 14 Sept. 1943: 1; "Farmer's Bean Crop Saved by Hustling Cadets," Buffalo Courier Express 25 June 1944: 8.