Equitable Food Initiative celebrates Farmworker Awareness Week (March 25-31) by recognizing companies that are raising the bar for worker well-being. These employers provide inspiration and evidence that ethical labor practices drive successful outcomes for workers, businesses, and consumers alike.
"Farmworker Awareness Week allows us to shine a light on the skilled workers who are the engine of the agricultural industry, along with some of the unique ways companies are caring for them," said LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications for EFI.
For example, Naturipe Farms and its growers have taken steps by offering mobile dental clinics, providing internet access, building schools and parks for local farmworker communities, and rebuilding homes in earthquake-ravaged areas. The company has been a leader in the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP) through its ongoing commitment to strengthen management systems aligned with the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices.
"We've committed to 'Cultivate with Care,' operating our business in a way that minimizes environmental impact and simultaneously supports our local and global communities," said Donna Lynn Browne, senior director of food safety and social responsibility for Naturipe Farms.
© EFIL-R: LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Eva Tellez, Rodolfo Spielmann
NatureSweet prioritizes the well-being of farmworkers, ensuring they receive a living wage, year-round employment, and opportunities for professional growth. Through development programs focused on continuous education, leadership skills, and job security, the company underscores its commitment to worker advancement and social responsibility.
NatureSweet fosters a strong connection between consumers and its associates by featuring worker portraits and QR codes on product packaging that lead to stories and videos about the associate's role at the company.
"We value each individual, and the principle of reaping what you sow is at the heart of our culture," says Rodolfo Spielmann, president and CEO of NatureSweet.
Understanding the many challenges farmworkers face, Homegrown Companies offers on-site emotional and mental health support through its chaplain program. Workers and their families receive confidential care and counseling, and many offer heartfelt testimonials about the program's positive impact. "Every week they come onsite and offer to pray with us and listen to us," said Eva Tellez, pack line lead at Peterson Family Fruit, which grows and packs for Homegrown Companies. "When my family was going through some hard things, this was helpful to me."
EFI encourages consumers to support companies prioritizing ethical labor practices, and it invites businesses to elevate their employee well-being and engagement programs. "Every stakeholder in the food system has a role to play in improving working conditions," added Ruzzamenti.
For more information:
LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Equitable Food Initiative
Tel.: +1 (202) 524-0540
media@equitablefood.org
https://equitablefood.org/