Stronger Together US is proud to announce Oregon-based AgriLabor and California-based AgSocio are the first farm labor contractors (FLCs) to achieve Clearview certification in the United States.
Clearview is a global certification program that recognizes FLCs in the U.S. for operating responsibly, professionally, legally and ethically in their sourcing, supply and management of workers. Clearview focuses on evaluating the recruitment and working conditions faced by temporary, seasonal and migrant workers in labor supply chains.
Farm labor contractors provide essential services to U.S. growers who are facing labor shortages by recruiting, and often managing, domestic farmworkers in the U.S. and migrant farmworkers from Mexico through the H-2A visa program. Poor recruitment practices, however, can leave workers vulnerable to unsafe and unacceptable working conditions, and unscrupulous operators undercut the reputation and competitive advantage of ethical and responsible FLCs.
“Clearview certification is an enormous accomplishment for a farm labor contractor and benefit to their workers and clients,” explains Hannah Newcomb, Managing Director, Clearview. “Certified status means a business has clearly demonstrated due diligence and management systems for the responsible recruitment of workers. We are delighted to recognize AgriLabor and AgSocio for this milestone achievement that paves the way for more FLCs to seek certification.”
AgriLabor and AgSocio underwent a rigorous independent audit of their responsible recruitment management systems. Approved audit bodies assessed the FLCs across a set of technical standards and control points developed by industry experts and mapped against leading international practices.
“The entire food industry, from a large retailer to individual farmworkers, can benefit from improved recruitment and employment practices by farm labor contractors,” says Matt Rogers, General Manager, AgSocio. “AgSocio is honored to be one of the first certified companies in the U.S. and we hope others will demonstrate transparency and best practices through Clearview certification.”
“AgriLabor is strongly committed to reliable, responsible and fair labor practices that bring growers and farmworkers together,” shares Michael Atkinson, President, AgriLabor and Atkinson Staffing. “We are proud to receive this certification and hope it becomes a standard for all farm labor contracting.”
