Farmworker Justice

Farmworker Justice is a national advocacy organization helping migrant farmworkers improve their wages, working conditions, health, immigration status and access to justice. We engage in education, advocacy, litigation and coalition-building.

How do you help people in my community?

Farmworker Justice works in hundreds of communities in almost every state, collaborating with farmworker, religious, public health, government, academic, labor, Latino and immigrant organizations.  Although farmworkers labor in virtually every state of the country, about one third of them work in California and significant numbers work in Florida, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and North Carolina. 
In Woodburn, Oregon, we help PCUN educate farmworkers about pesticides and HIV prevention.  To help prevent occupational injuries and illnesses, we are conducting workplace safety training for farmworkers in California, Arizona, and Florida.  We have litigated cases for victimized farmworkers in Siskiyou County in far northern California, in Yuma County, Arizona, in southern Florida, and many other areas.  Our staff regularly accepts invitations to speak at regional conferences throughout the nation.  Our advocacy on guestworker programs resulted in wage increases of $1 to $2 per hour in North Carolina, New England and other states.  Through our various publications, listserves, and website, we are constantly in touch with farmworkers and the organizations that serve them to exchange information in order to understand their issues and meet their needs. 

Why do you need my support?

Farmworker Justice helps empower farmworkers and their organizations.  Today, many migrant and seasonal farmworkers still live and work in intolerable conditions.  Agricultural workers deserve decent working conditions including adequate drinking water, shade and toilets in the fields. Their lives should not be put at risk due to pesticide exposure and preventable injuries.  They should be provided the information and other resources needed to better their lives and their communities.

Farmworker Justice is working to win greater protections for farmworkers to improve their wages and working conditions, fix our broken immigration system and reduce preventable deaths, injuries and illness due to their exposure to toxic pesticides and other work-related hazards.  We help farmworkers press for more effective enforcement of the laws by government and through lawsuits to remedy illegal practices by government agencies and agricultural employers.     

Because farmworkers cannot afford to pay for our services, we do not charge.  In addition to foundation and government grants, we depend on people like you to make charitable, tax-deductible donations to help bring a brighter future to the people who put food on our table. Your donation will help us expand our activities to meet the demand for our assistance by farmworkers and their families. 

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

During the past thirty years, Farmworker Justice has established a reputation for diligent, high-quality, dedicated service to migrant and seasonal farmworkers.  We are audited every year under extra-strict guidelines required for groups that receive government grants. We have built trust with the farmworker community and others who support farmworkers, evidenced in part by the many farmworker advocates and supporters who serve on our Board of Directors and work with us through our partner organizations.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Yes!  We welcome volunteers to assist us on projects regarding labor, immigration and health issues, as well as on special events and fundraising.  James B. Leonard volunteered for ten years after retiring from the federal government because he found it rewarding; we greatly appreciated his help. Join us!  Please contact us at infofj@farmworkerjustice.org or 202-293-5420.