If you’ve ever wondered what goes into putting that delicious apple or hearty bunch of kale on your dinner plate, look no further than the hard-working hands of the agricultural community in Western North Carolina. At Vecinos, we shine a light on the unsung heroes of our fields—our farmworkers and farmers. From dusk till dawn, they tend to the land—and now, they’re also tending to the voice of their community.
Our community engagement work at Vecinos isn’t just about programs and initiatives—it’s about empowering farmworkers to share their stories and advocate for their families, health, and working conditions. Their stories are inspiring, humorous, and deeply real. Take it from Ricardo, a migrant farmworker, and Salvador, a grower and farmworker—both of whom have stepped into local and state spaces to share their experiences.
From the Fields to the Spotlight
March 21 marked a milestone. For the first time, farmworkers took center stage as panelists and participants at the NC Farmworker Institute Annual Meeting in Chapel Hill. Who were these brave individuals? Ricardo and Salvador. Ricardo served as one of the main panelists at the event, while Salvador not only shared his experiences as a grower but also learned about programs aimed at improving conditions for farmworkers. It was a motivating experience for these field leaders as they connected with organizations dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of farmworkers across North Carolina.
As the only grower present, Salvador didn’t just listen—he actively participated in workshops, lending his voice to the conversation and advocating for better working conditions, improved housing, and more resources for small growers and their farmworkers.
A Glimpse Into the Life of a Farmworker
What does a day in the life of a farmworker look like? Ricardo shared a story that was equal parts eye-opening and hilarious.
“The first time I came to work at a tobacco farm in NC, it was tough,” he said. “The long hours in the blazing sun—sometimes I felt like I was going to pass out. So I asked my coworkers, ‘Why are the shifts so long?’ And they told me, ‘We were just waiting for you to pass out so we could take a break!’”
Ah, the camaraderie of farmworkers—¡muchos chulos, mis paisanos! But Ricardo didn’t let that stop him. He learned the hard way to hydrate and pace himself—an important lesson he never needed back in Mexico, where he worked on his grandfather’s farm picking mangoes, oranges, and avocados for the local market.
For some, language barriers have been a significant challenge. “The biggest issue for me was the language,” said another panelist. “Not being able to communicate with the bosses was tough. Sometimes it led to misunderstandings.” Yet despite the struggles, the economic impact of farm work has been overwhelmingly positive for their families, making it all worth the sacrifice.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses. One worker shared, “The hardest part of this job is being away from my family for so long. Watching my kids grow up from a distance… that’s the real struggle.” And as much as we talk about economic benefits, he reminded everyone, “Money isn’t everything.”
The Long Way for Better Conditions
Though there have been improvements over the years—especially for H-2A workers—farmworkers still face challenges. Housing conditions, for example, have gotten better, but there’s still work to be done.
“When I first started, the housing was terrible—like something from the revolution,” one panelist recalled. “But little by little, things have improved.”
Another shared, “In our case, the housing has definitely improved. We’re part of the H-2A program, and it shows. We have everything we need now.”
But it’s not just about the physical space—it’s about knowledge, too. “It’s important to read and know the farmworkers’ rights,” one worker emphasized. “A lot of us don’t know our rights because we don’t take the time to understand them.”
Health, Wellness, and the Smiles We Bring
A recurring theme among the panelists was the importance of health education. “Knowing how to stay healthy in this kind of work is crucial,” one said. “It’s not just about physical labor, but also the stress of doing it well while being away from your family.” And, of course, food—especially when you’re used to the flavors of Oaxaca—can feel like an important part of the heart and soul of the work.
But it’s not all hard truths and tough conversations. Ricardo shared something that warmed everyone’s heart: “Something really important is showing up with a smile. When we’re welcomed and made to feel like we belong, that goes a long way. Vecinos does this really well.”
He also noted the importance of knowing other farmworkers from different fields. “That really helps,” he said.
From discussions on pesticide use, better working tools, and first aid training, these panelists weren’t shy about sharing what needs improvement. But when the conversation turned to the future, one worker’s dream stood out:
“My dream for the next 10 years? To have a job that is balanced—one that matches the wages with my physical and emotional wellbeing. That’s what I hope to see.”
Without a doubt, from sharing individual experiences to envisioning a brighter future, these panelists left a lasting impression.
The Road Ahead
For Don Salvador, one of the most compelling aspects of the event was the focus on housing. Improving housing conditions for farmworkers remains a critical issue, and his insights were invaluable in shaping future initiatives.
Throughout the event, our community leaders and Outreach team were actively engaged—learning, sharing their experiences, and strengthening the leadership driving our work in Western North Carolina.
We are deeply grateful to Ricardo, Don Salvador, and all the other farmworkers who stepped out of their comfort zones to share their stories and wisdom. Their humility, resilience, and dedication form the backbone of the agricultural community here in WNC. While we may never fully comprehend the sacrifices they make, we can honor them by ensuring their voices are heard.
After all, the fields don’t just put food on our tables—it is the hands and hearts of those who work them that make this miracle possible. So, the next time you bite into a fresh apple or take a deep breath of mountain air, remember: behind every harvest is a community deserving of our respect, support, and, above all, our gratitude.
At Vecinos, we are committed to amplifying these voices and advocating for lasting change. Let’s continue working together to honor the incredible spirit of our WNC farmworkers and farmers.