Farmworkers are one of the biggest contributors to America’s economy as well as its agriculture industry, generating $552.6 billion in sales in both crop and animal products. While harvesting, planting, seeding, cultivating, sorting and packaging, these workers experience very crucial work conditions, especially during the summer months to keep food on Americans tables. These workers contribute 5.5 percent of the US gross domestic product and provide 10.4 percent of US employment.
A large portion of farmworkers are generally immigrants, and others are migrant workers who go to jobs during growing seasons. Some are undocumented while others come with a work Visa, H-2A. This visa allows foreign nationals to enter the US temporarily to perform agricultural jobs either temporarily or seasonally.
Farmworkers also earn so little, especially with the long hours they work. Living conditions for workers consist of living in apartments, run-down trailers, and sometimes even living in camps. Living conditions consist of mold, roaches, etc. These conditions often get overlooked since they’re farmworkers but also due to the little amount of money they receive, which can’t cover half of the repairs needed in their housing.
Workers undergo labor-intensive and seasonal farm work. With the hot sun beaming down their backs, sweat pouring down their faces and body, as well as the little amount of breaks they get, and the bending over for hours on end can cause numerous health problems that often lead to long term. With the exposure of pesticide with little to no equipment or covering, these harsh chemicals can lead to numerous symptoms like dizziness, nausea, skin rashes, and breathing problems.
With the intensity of the heat in the summer, few to no breaks can also lead to heat stroke if not hydrated and rested properly, which can also be a health problem in the long term. The back pain many workers endure from bending over for hours on end can lead to chronic back pain and can progressively get worse.
Many workers have little to no access to healthcare. They try their best to avoid medical care due to the cost, job loss, and even their immigration status. Something else that is often overlooked is the mental health of the workers. Large amounts of stress, burnout, and financial instability cause intense strain on their mental health, barely making ends meet on a weekly basis. This stress is exacerbated by not having the basic worker rights, increasing the likelihood of facing anxiety, trauma, and other mental health disorders.
Without farmworkers, there wouldn’t be any food on tables or shelves. These workers are essential to the economy. Hours for these workers range from early mornings to late evenings on a daily basis. Even during severe weather, or even during wildfires like in CA, these tasks are still completed.
These workers are the foundation of America’s food supply as well as agriculture industry. Their labor feeds millions, and yet they’re often overlooked.