As competition was fierce and all of the many nominees deserving of recognition, The Packer and Equitable Food Initiative were challenged to identify just five finalists in their inaugural Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year award program. Nominations were sought from July 2023 to March 1, 2024.
An extension of their People First initiative, the collaboration will name the Farmworker of the Year at The Packer’s West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, Calif., June 1.
Dubbed ''Doña Cris’’ by her coworkers, Crisanta Morales, has been a crop worker at Wholesum Family Farms in Sonora, Mexico, for 21 years.
Why was Morales nominated for Farmworker of the Year? Here The Packer and EFI share what the Amado, Ariz.-based Wholesum and Morales’ coworkers had to say about “one of the best tomato pickers.”
Morales is a dedicated greenhouse crop worker, who consistently demonstrates exceptional qualities including skill, integrity, desire to grow and to be a positive force for those around her, said Wholesum. Morales has not only excelled in her duties as a greenhouse worker but has also played a pivotal role in elevating her entire team and her community, which has positively impacted Wholesum’s company culture, the company said.
“From greenhouse worker to treasurer to trainer to guardian, Crisanta gives it her all in every role,” said her peers and nominators. “She is one of the best tomato pickers, quickest to adapt to new technologies and does so meticulously, often suggesting better ways to get work done.”
Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, Morales moved to Sonora in search of better opportunities for her and her family 21 years ago. She took a job with Wholesome Farms and, through the years, has grown alongside the company as a respected employee, adapting to changes and new technologies and leaving a mark for her peers and the community around her, said Wholesum.
“Crisanta is one of the few who can successfully take on any role within the greenhouses, from picking tomatoes or cucumbers to pruning trusses,” said Wholesum. “Regardless of the task, or even the crop, she masterfully performs every time. Through her skillful performance, she has worked herself through the ranks, and today leads her colleagues by example.”
Related: Meet Farmworker of the Year finalist Eduardo Avina
During her time at Wholesum, Morales has shown an ability to train and motivate her colleagues and her leadership skills have significantly contributed to the overall productivity, efficiency and positive atmosphere within the team, the company said.
“Crisanta Morales Heredia, better known as ''Doña Cris’’ by her coworkers, is a person of genuine humility and kindness. She continually encourages her coworkers to improve their performance, motivating them to achieve their goals,” said Morales’ manager. “She regularly approaches new employees to get to know them and give them a warm welcome … Her approach truly fosters a positive and motivational work environment.”
In 2012, Morales played a “significant role” in the implementation of Wholesum’s fair trade program, the company said. That same year, she was nominated as the first treasurer of the committee, a role that helped her build skills in budget management, computation, leadership and communication, Wholesum said.
Morales became an ambassador for the program, showing her peers its potential to impact their lives in a meaningful way. The first project implemented by the committee, one which she takes pride in contributing to, was a school bus program providing transportation for school children in the community.
“Doña Cris is a remarkable woman who encourages us to persevere,” said Jennifer Kassandra Muños Bustamante, a coworker of Morales. “She motivates us to invest greater effort in our activities and to keep it up. She offers us both personal and work advice during our conversations.”
