People attend a first-of-its-kind farmworkers conference

First-Ever Farmworker Conference: Conferencia Campesina de Salud y Bienestar

Quick Summary

  • Comite Civico del Valle (CCV), in partnership with the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS), held a first-of-it-kind farmworkers conference on March 24, 2023 in Calexico, CA.

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. Farmworkers are an essential part of California’s agriculture, yet farmworkers are vulnerable due to language barriers, health and safety issues from the labor intensive work, immigration status, and economic obstacles. To positively impact the lives of farmworkers, Comite Civico del Valle (CCV), in partnership with the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS), held the first-ever conference in the Imperial Valley specifically designed for farmworkers on March 24, 2023 in Calexico, CA.

All presentations at the conference focused on farmworker health, safety, and rights. The topics were chosen by CCV based on recent conversations with farmworkers. For example, the keynote speaker, Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola from UC Davis Health, gave a talk titled “Farmworker Health and Wellness.” WCAHS’ Teresa Andrews gave a presentation titled “The Change Starts With You.” Afternoon activities included a Pláticas en Confianza session as well as presentations on pesticide safety, labor laws and compensation, immigration rights, and more.

In addition to the presentations, WCAHS and other organizations had tables with free resources for farmworkers. Approximately 200 farmworkers attended.

Click here to read the full article on the WCAHS website. (En español)