50 years at Forrence Orchards and counting
Alphonso Merchant
Alphonso Merchant
L-R Omar Myres, Shane Miller, Franklin Johnson, Alphonso Merchant, Stephen Grant, O Wayne Dunkley, Jayvion Francis, Wayne Bonnick, Front Row – Miguel Hutchinson
L-R Seth Forrence, Seth’s son Mason, Alphonso Merchant, Mason Forrence.
By John T Ryan
Peru, NY, July 20, 2026 – When people think of Peru, they often think of its beautiful orchards and the Jamaican men who work in the orchards and shop in local businesses. One of these men knows Peru better than perhaps any of the others. Alphonso Merchant has been working at Forrence Orchards for fifty years, first coming here in 1976 at age 22. He’s known four Forrence generations – Roger, Mason, Seth and now Seth’s son Mason. Seth Forrence, who manages the orchard today, was 6 months old when Merchant first arrived in Peru. Merchant has never worked at any other orchard. He said, “The Forrence farm is clean, and they treat people good.” He respects his boss, saying, “Seth is a good businessman. Little Mason is a good worker too.”
Merchant grew up on a farm north of Kingston, Jamaica, where bananas, corn, and coffee were the primary crops. In 1969, he moved to Kingston, which he calls home today. He recalls, “I came to Peru for the experience and for the money. This is a great opportunity for Jamaicans. I wish more would come to get the experience.”
The men Merchant works with value his presence. Franklin Johnson said, He’s willing to work, and he has a lot of experience. When we have questions we go to him. He’s a good guy.” Wayne Bonnick added, “He teaches us a lot.”
Even though Alphonso leads the Jamaican men in seniority, he doesn’t want any special treatment. He stated, “I’ve said ‘no’ to any special treatment. I love what I’m doing. We work together. Nobody’s better than anyone else.”
Merchant has a family. He married in 2003 and has two adult stepchildren. His wife lives in New York City. In December, they return to Jamaica for two months to visit family and friends. Nine years ago, he became a United States citizen, so he has options when he retires, though he says he hasn’t considered retiring. “I have a regular paycheck. Not doing anything would be boring.”
Alphonso Merchant is one of 30 Jamaicans who arrived at Forrence Orchards in March. Currently, they’re cutting branches and leaves that shield apples from sunlight, which is vital for growing red apples. When harvest time arrives in late August and early September, 164 more Jamaican men will arrive at Forrence Orchards. Will any of those men ever top Alphonso’s 50 years?
Posted: July 20th, 2026 under Adirondack Region News, Agricultural News, Business News, Faces of Peru, General News, Northern NY News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru/Regional History, Statewide News, Upstate New York.