Better Pay for Farmworkers, More Accountability for Growers and Retailers

Despite the physically demanding and skilled work performed by farmworkers, they are among the lowest paid workers in the country. Farmworkers struggle to afford housing and the same standards of living enjoyed by other professions. Meanwhile growers struggle to retain a stable workforce while maintaining their bottom line. Some organizations like the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) and Fair Trade USA (Fair Trade) are making headway in a verification program that has the potential to increase farmworker pay and other benefits through cooperation with growers and retailers. Participating retailers agree to pay a premium on EFI and Fair Trade certified fruits and vegetables and the premium is returned to farmworkers as a bonus in recognition of their added responsibility in ongoing monitoring.