The Packer, EFI launch Grow the Good award to highlight farmworkers

The Packer and Equitable Food Initiative are proud to announce the newest extension of their People First initiative, with the Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year award program. This program is now accepting nominations, and a winner will be named at the West Coast Produce Expo.  

The Grow the Good award is an extension of The Packer’s People First initiative that has created a variety of content, including webinars, podcasts and video content featuring voices from across fresh produce, discussing topics from mental health and workplace safety to the importance of diversity, soft skills training and more.

“Social responsibility is a priority in the fresh produce industry. We could not grow, pack and ship the fresh produce we do without all of the dedicated people who work behind the scenes,” said Amy Sowder, The Packer’s retail, education and PMG editor and “Tip of the Iceberg Podcast” host. “I’ve learned so much from the “Tip of the Iceberg Podcast” interviews and my on-site farm tours, witnessing firsthand the pride and skill farmworkers put into their jobs. It makes sense that we create an avenue recognizing their efforts. Let’s lift up their work in celebration.”  

The new award program is open to any farmworker not in a management or administrative role who works in farm labor or a production role. They must have worked in fresh produce for at least two years and embody the values that “Grow the Good” in their organization, community or family.

Nominations can be made at equitablefood.org/nominate through March 1, 2024. Finalists will be notified by April 15, with the Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year named June 1, 2024, at the West Coast Produce Expo, hosted by The Packer and PMG.

“There are millions of farmworkers behind the scenes in the fresh produce industry, and we have always been a champion of their skills and responsibility in elevating the food supply chain,” said LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing communications at EFI. “We are elated to work with The Packer to bring much deserved recognition to this group and continue to raise the bar on building a more equitable and resilient supply chain where everyone gets a seat at the table.”

“Farm Journal and The Packer follow a ‘People First’ philosophy and invest heavily in employee well-being, and we believe it’s important to partner with like-minded organizations to encourage others to put people first as well,” said Matt Morgan, Farm Journal’s executive vice president, produce. “The produce industry isn’t just the leaders and principals at the top of companies, it’s the men and women who toil tirelessly, often without credit, and this is a unique opportunity to make People First about everyone.”