As we recognize National Farmworkers Awareness Week (March 25 – 31), we celebrate the essential role farmworkers play in our food system.
CDFA supports our essential agricultural workforce across California. By leveraging partnerships, CDFA supports initiatives that implement comprehensive strategies that uplift farmworkers at every stage of their careers, from entry-level positions to leadership roles within the agricultural sector.
A key initiative is the Beginning Farmer and Farmworker Training Grant program, which provides crucial resources and training opportunities to individuals looking to start their careers in agriculture. By offering this, the state is helping to equip farmworkers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in agriculture.
In addition, one of CDFA’s Ag Vision priorities is to ‘Drive the Next Generation of Talent and Tools’. Through California’s training programs and partnerships and CDFA’s own Specialty Crop Workforce Development Program, the agency is helping to ensure that farmworkers have access to resources that enhance their professional growth and advancement opportunities. Whether it’s through on-the-job training or specialized workshops, CDFA strives to empower farmworkers to reach their full potential.
In addition to these initiatives, CDFA collaborates closely with a network of partners — including state agencies, federal departments, and local governments — to address the unique challenges facing farmworkers. CDFA also partners with stakeholders to ensure that our agricultural community has access to information about mental health resources through the Farmer & Farmworker Mental Health Resources page.