Los Amigos Harvesting, which had a worker accused of exposing 15 nearby raspberry harvesters to harmful pesticides on June 29, 2017, owes Santa Cruz County $56,000. It is the largest fine issued by Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo in his 13 years of service.
Hidalgo said in an interview: "The actions that the pesticide applicator took were really negligent." His office is fining a second firm, FMG Farm Contractor, $1,250 for failing to seek prompt medical attention for employees exposed to the pesticides.
According to kqed.org, Los Amigos Harvesting’s spokesman said the company seeks a hearing to review the commissioner’s findings. It wants to present information the company considers accurate. The company, through its spokesman, said it plans to dispute the county’s investigation.