A new program is expected to bring them more skills and help them meet a growing demand for locally grown, organic food.
This fall, the Ellenton-based Florida West Coast Resource Conservation and Development will train its first group of farmworker apprentices. Two to three years from now, they may be able to operate organic farms of their own.
"There's a lot of immigrants that come to this country and want to make something of their opportunity here," said coordinator Laura Morton. "It's an outreach program to make sure Latino people have an opportunity to get into the demand."
Farmworkers, who have the agricultural know-how and a commitment to the work, will earn $10 per hour training in organic production, irrigation, business skills and management.
"We want to teach them the skills to be able to run their own farm," said Sarah Crane, program manager. "It's kind of the all-American dream."
Funded by a $10,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program begins with two apprentices. More farmworkers are expected to participate as the program continues.
While there already are training programs for farmworkers, this could be the first to provide a pipeline into organic growing, said Marty Mesh, executive director of Florida Certified Organic Growers & Consumers, a Gainesville-based non-profit.
"Farmworkers are the first line in being opposed to pesticides," Mesh said. "They're in a very tenuous economic situation. This is a great population to work with."
Workers will train at Geraldson Community Farm in Palma Sola and the future Gamble Creek Farm in Parrish, both operated by Resource Conservation and Development.
To recruit workers, who must be living in the United States legally, Morton has brought on board the Latino Community Network, of which she is a member.
"For a lot of farms, the Latino community is strictly seen as a migrant worker community and that's it," Crane said. "We believe within that community there's so much skill and knowledge that hasn't been developed. We want to take the next step."
Help needed
The Florida West Coast Resource Conservation and Development is actively seeking a farm apprenticeship coordinator. For more information, contact the office at (941) 723-3252.
