Celebrating the Backbone of Fresh Produce: Recognizing Farmworkers’ Vital Contributions from Orchard to Table
In Wenatchee, Washington, Stemilt is marking a significant moment for the agricultural community by dedicating March 25-31 to Farmworker Awareness Week, an initiative designed to spotlight the indispensable contributions of farmworkers who bring the company’s World Famous Fruit from orchard to table.
By engaging audiences across social media platforms, the company is highlighting not only its celebrated produce but also the vital human effort behind every apple, pear, and cherry.
This celebration addresses the fundamental questions of who is involved the hardworking Stemilters and dedicated farmworkers; what is happening a weeklong campaign to honor their contributions; why it matters the recognition of their crucial role in maintaining high-quality produce supply and advancing industry standards; when the event is taking place March 25 through March 31; and how Stemilt plans to share these stories through targeted social media content and educational material.
The campaign’s core is not merely a celebration but an educational initiative, incorporating details about the company’s ongoing partnership with the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI).
Through this collaboration, Stemilt aims to enhance transparency around farm working conditions, food safety protocols, and the broader challenges facing the agricultural industry.
A key element of this effort is the integration of active EFI leadership teams.
Currently, there are nine such teams that collectively invest approximately 8,000 hours each year in continuous improvement projects.
- All
- Filter Item 1
Image Not Found! Try Again
The tireless farmworkers are the lifeblood behind the production of Stemilt’s world-renowned fruit | Image: Courtesy of Stemilt
These initiatives directly benefit more than 3,000 Stemilters, reinforcg the company’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and supportive work environment.
These continuous improvement efforts are not only about operational efficiency but also about ensuring that the voices of farmworkers are heard and respected across every facet of the company’s operations.
Stemilt’s deep-rooted dedication to its workforce is further underscored by its pioneering achievement in 2021, when it became the first tree fruit company to earn EFI certification across all its company orchards and packing facilities.
This milestone reflects a broader strategy of embedding quality and safety into the fabric of the company’s operations, from cultivation to consumer delivery.
Retailers who opt to pay a premium for EFI-certified produce effectively contribute to this model, as a portion of the premium is funneled into a bonus structure that directly benefits the individual farmworkers.
The financial incentives and recognition provided through this system not only improve operational standards but also serve to empower the workforce, ensuring that their contributions are tangibly acknowledged.
“Farmworkers are essential and play an integral role in tending to, harvesting, packing and shipping Stemilt fruit. We’re taking Farmworker Awareness Week as an opportunity to recognize the people who make it possible for us to delight consumers with apples, pears, and cherries, and spread awareness that they are on the front lines of bringing fresh produce to the tables of families around the world.”
These comments serve as a powerful reminder of the human element behind every piece of produce and highlight the company’s commitment to acknowledging and uplifting its workforce.
Moreover, the focus on continuous improvement is not just an operational strategy but also a cultural commitment.
As part of its ongoing efforts to build an environment that values each employee’s input, Stemilt’s leadership teams work collaboratively on projects aimed at refining every aspect of the production process.
This approach has fostered an atmosphere where best practices are shared and implemented across the board.
“Our commitment to EFI standards helps us continue creating an environment where farmworker voices are heard, and continuous improvement is incorporated into all Stemilt’s facilities and orchards,” Shales remarked. “We are thrilled to shine the light on our front-line Stemilters during this celebratory week for all farmworkers.”
These statements echo the company’s broader mission of integrating ethical practices and employee recognition into its business model.
By dedicating a full week to celebrating farmworkers, Stemilt not only honors its current team but also sets a benchmark for the industry.
The initiative serves as both a reminder and a call to action for all stakeholders in the agricultural sector to recognize the critical role that these individuals play in delivering safe, high-quality produce to families worldwide.
