On May 30 at this year’s West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, Calif., The Packer and the Equitable Food Initiative will present the second annual Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year award. To recognize the critical role farmworkers have in the fresh produce industry, The Packer is spotlighting each of this year’s five finalists, who were selected from nominations submitted in February.
For 11 years, Guadalupe Huerta De Jesus of Frutos de Huerta Real has brought passion, purpose and perseverance to her work in agriculture. A proud member of the Popoloco community of Puebla, Mexico, De Jesus considers herself a warrior, shaped through resiliency.
De Jesus began her journey as a tomato packer, quickly standing out for her work ethic and commitment to learning. When the company created a new nursery team — requiring precision, responsibility and care — De Jesus was among the first selected. It became her favorite role, one that allowed her to grow alongside the plants she lovingly refers to as her “friends.”
“She always works hard so the plants, her friends, can feel her strength and grow better and grow stronger,” the company said.
Her commitment extends beyond her work, and De Jesus is always willing to help co-workers and encourage newer colleagues. Her enthusiasm is evident as De Jesus always wears a smile and performs her work with enthusiasm and joy.
De Jesus’ journey has not been easy.
After losing her first child due to health complications, she made the brave decision to shift roles so she could prioritize time with her baby girl. She moved to the greenhouse as a plant worker, and due to her effort and dedication, she wins first place awards every month and now can spend more time with her daughter, not working weekends. This change was difficult for her, but now after four years, she has developed many new skills and capacities.
Although De Jesus says that life has dealt some blows, from major losses to delicate health situations, her perseverance, dedication, resilience and love for her work have helped her excel. De Jesus inspires others to be optimistic in difficult times and teaches that a smile can inspire a powerful change — to see things differently.
