Farmworker Reality Tour / Oct. 17

The state of California is responsible for producing 1/3 of the nation’s vegetables and nearly 2/3 of the nation’s fruits and nuts; including 90% of the strawberries grown in the U.S.  Although over one-half million farmworkers are responsible for this enormous food supply, in California, the world’s 7th largest economy, they remain an invisible, voiceless underclass.

This tour will give all participants a rare inside view of the lives of the farmworkers who are responsible for our supply of fruits, vegetables and nuts. California's $47 billion industrial agricultural system is nearly completely dependent on the labor of these hard working individuals.

We will begin the tour on a lovely agroecological farm off San Andreas Rd. in Watsonville. While visiting the farm, we will hear the story of a family's undocumented border crossing and observe the skill set involved in picking strawberries. Next, we will visit the state-run Buena Vista Migrant Camp and hear the hardship stories of migrant families that are only allowed to live at the camp for a few months each year.

Finally, we will visit the home of a single farmworker Mom who rents an overpriced dilapidated house with her children. She will help us conclude the tour with her story and a delicious traditional Mexican meal.

Please dress casually, and bring along a warm jacket.

Host or Publisher Center for Farmworker Families