“Farmworkers are the backbone of the agricultural industry,” says Alexandra Martinez, senior digital marketing and sales associate with the Equitable Food Initiative.
Martinez joined “The Packer Podcast” for a special episode to highlight EFI and The Packer’s third annual Farmworker of the Year Award. The nomination period closes Friday, Feb. 27.
Martinez says while many awards highlight suppliers, retailers and marketers, EFI saw a real need to celebrate farmworkers.
“The journey of fresh produce — of the fruits and vegetables that we have on our tables — not only starts with farmworkers, but it also depends on their specialized skills, knowledge and labor,” she says. “We wanted to give them the space to be recognized, to be cheered and to learn more about their stories, their passions, their knowledge and even their careers.”
Every worker nominated will get a certificate and recognition. Martinez says in previous years, companies of these workers have made it a point to celebrate the recognition. Past winners often comment about the teamwork it takes on the farm and also mention the importance of their colleagues, bosses and families. She says most are just thankful to be recognized.
“It’s just really sweet to see how thankful they are for everything,” Martinez adds.
What Makes a Good Nomination?
Anyone in the fresh produce industry can nominate a farmworker throughout North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Workers must be in the same role for two years or more.
Information is also available in Spanish and English at equitablefood.org/fwoy.
Martinez says any details provided can help paint a picture of why a farmworker is deserving of the award.
“Don’t be shy about writing a super-long nomination, because that’s really what we want,” she says. “We want a lot of details about skills that they have learned, milestones at work. … Those little details are the ones that are key for those final decisions.”
She says there are examples of past nominations that EFI earmarked as being particularly descriptive and helpful.
“We had some examples with some of the farmworkers who volunteered to teach co-workers how to drive or learn a third or second language,” she says. “And those are the skills we want to know, because that allows us to understand a little more, not only the environment where they are working but also to see a little more about the kind of person they are.”
As far as the nomination process, Martinez says it’s fairly straightforward with a few questions to answer. One key part of the nomination is to include a photo, as EFI will celebrate all nominees.
“Even if they don’t win or even if they are not the finalists, they’re going to be highlighted through social media with #FarmWorkerFriday,” Martinez says. “We’re always finding ways to highlight the people, the farmworkers, the frontline workers and people at your organization.”
Even if someone at a farm isn’t the one responsible for submitting a nomination, Martinez encourages everyone to spread the word to make sure those who can nominate someone do.
“This is the third year, and we want to keep doing that next year,” she says. “We really need your support, your nominations. We’re really looking forward to seeing who’s going to be the winner this year.”
