farmworkers

Farmworkers are people employed in agricultural production, including field workers who plant, weed, prune, and harvest, as well as workers in packing houses and nurseries. They may be employed directly by farms or through contractors. In many countries a large share are migrant workers who move seasonally to follow harvests.

Work is typically outdoors and labor-intensive, with long hours during harvest seasons. Tasks vary by crop and region and can include planting, thinning, picking, sorting, and loading. Seasonal and temporary work means earnings can be irregular and job security limited.

Wages and protections vary widely. Some workers earn hourly wages or piece rates, with overtime rules that depend on local law. In many places protections such as minimum wage, health benefits, and housing are limited or inconsistently applied. Many farmworkers lack access to healthcare, paid leave, or safe housing.

Safety concerns include pesticide exposure, heat illness, injuries from equipment, and musculoskeletal strain. Regulations exist in many countries to regulate exposure and require training and protective equipment, but enforcement and language accessibility vary.

Labor organizing exists in many places but can be challenging for migrant and undocumented workers. Legal frameworks for agricultural labor often include exemptions or guest worker programs, which affect mobility and protections. Access to remedies against abuse may be limited in some regions.

Farmworkers play a crucial role in food systems, yet the sector faces pressures from climate change, disease, and market volatility. Ongoing efforts seek to improve wages, safety, housing, and legal protections while addressing migrant labor needs.