A new landmark study by the UC Merced Community and Labor Center shows farmworkers across California are facing serious health challenges on a daily basis.
The goal of the Farmworker Health Study was to examine agricultural worker health and well-being, in addition to health care access, local and state policies, and health and training needs.
More than 1,200 California farmworkers were surveyed between August 2021 and January 2022. They were asked about their working conditions, physical health, women's and reproductive health, COVID-19, use of preventive health services, health insurance and access, and health behaviors.
Major findings include the following:
According to the researchers, the findings from this study are a call to action for public engagement and policy development to improve farmworker health.
"Agriculture is a demanding job, requiring working long hours under difficult working conditions," said health economics Professor Paul Brown. "Our study provides a snapshot into the health of these workers, as well as highlights the challenges that workers in California face in getting access to good, high quality and affordable health care."
"Agriculture is one of California's most vital and productive industries, yet many of its workers experience profound challenges in maintaining their health and well-being," said sociology Professor Edward Flores, faculty director of the Community and Labor Center. "This report provides valuable data that should inform policy development advancing the health and wellbeing of agricultural worker."
The study suggests the need for a deeper look at current policies, laws and practices in agricultural workplaces, as well as greater and more targeted public investments in the physical, economic and social well-being of farmworkers. Policy recommendations include the following:
The Farmworker Health Study was funded by the California Department of Public Health and conducted by researchers at UC Merced, with assistance from researchers at other universities. Farmworker-serving organizations from across the state, known as the Community Advisory Board, representatives from unions, philanthropic foundations, local health departments, agricultural growers and health care providers were also involved.
The full study can be accessed and downloaded online.