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.
For 35 years, Maria de Sagrario Iglesias has worked for the Prescott, Wash.-based First Fruits, immersing herself in many aspects of apple and cherry agriculture from planting and picking to pruning and packing. Throughout her more than three decades with the company, she has learned many skills and used those skills to train others.
“She is always willing to work as a team leader and teach others what she knows,” the company said.
A natural servant-leader, de Sagrario Iglesias also volunteers her time, fundraising for coworkers and local community members. First Fruits says she also brings co-workers and community members in the U.S. together and holds clothes donations for a girl’s orphanage in her Mexico community, where she personally delivers the donations.
Related: Meet Farmworker of the Year finalist Eduardo Avina
Related: Meet Farmworker of the Year finalist Crisanta Morales
Related: Meet Farmworker of the Year finalist Andres Aguilar
Related: Meet Farmworker of the Year finalist José Luis Segura
