On May 29 at this year’s West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, Calif., The Packer and the Equitable Food Initiative will present the third 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 Magaly Alfaro Avalos, a career in agriculture has never been just about the harvest; it has been about a relentless pursuit of growth, leadership and the empowerment of those around her. Over the past 18 years at NatureSweet, she has transformed from an entry-level associate into a cornerstone of the company’s operations.
In the greenhouse, she is known as a top performer who consistently shatters benchmark expectations, but her colleagues know her best as a mentor.
As her nominator, colleague Jenny Halpin, puts it: “Magaly embodies the core values of the Farmworker of the Year program: teamwork, continuous learning, pride in her craft, leadership and service. She leads by example, uplifts her coworkers, invests in her education and gives back to her community. Her impact extends far beyond the greenhouse; she is a role model whose dedication strengthens her team, her company and the agricultural community.”
Alfaro Avalos’ journey is defined by an extraordinary commitment to education that she balances alongside the physical demands of her work and her responsibilities as a mother of three. After earning her high school diploma through an adult education program, she set her sights even higher and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agronomy engineering with an expected graduation in 2027.
Her ambition is to bridge the gap between field experience and technical expertise, moving into a supervisory role where she can mentor on a larger scale. This drive has not gone unnoticed by her peers.
“I would like to highlight Magaly’s career, as she is an exemplary associate,” says Oscar Contreras. “She is currently pursuing a degree in engineering, which reflects her commitment to her personal and professional growth.”
Beyond the glass walls of the greenhouse, Alfaro Avalos serves as a powerful advocate for her community and her industry. Whether she is acting as a delegate for fair trade initiatives, serving on labor committees or speaking on panels about the vital role of women in agriculture, she leads with integrity.
Her belief that agricultural work is fundamentally about people is reflected in her local volunteer work, where she supports youth academic programs and organizes charitable distributions.
Her friend and colleague Marisol Zuñiga notes: “I know how hard Magaly has worked to get where she is today. ... Not only is she a great colleague, but she’s also an excellent friend.”
