Dowagiac farm sued over housing

Published 3:01 pm Monday, August 27, 2012

Leader photo/ALY GIBSON Berrybrook Farms Inc. has been sued by the federal government for failure to improve migrant worker housing.

Berrybrook Enterprises Inc., based in Dowagiac, has been sued by the federal government for failing to meet a 2010 agreement to improve migrant employee housing.

The U.S. Department of Labor filed a petition for civil contempt, stating that the farm and owner Joe Hassle Sr. have neglected several conditions of the housing for migrant employees. Areas of concern include inadequate water supplies, screens and rodent control. The complaint is asking for compliance and fines associated with a follow-up investigation. The farm also has camps in Van Buren County, which are licenses for hundreds of people.

Representatives from Berrybrook Enterprises’ office, located at 28230 Elm St., said they have no comment on the matter due to the litigation process, which is still taking place.

Stephanie Setterington, one of Berrybrook’s attorneys, could not be reached for immediate comment.