Farm Worker Awareness Week coincides with Cesar Chavez’s birthday and the return of fresh fruit and vegetable harvests to U.S. fields. It’s a vital time to recognize the daily contributions of farm workers, whose labor makes the high-quality produce on our tables possible—even though they often remain invisible to many consumers.
LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), grew up on a family-owned apple farm in the Hudson Valley. With a lifetime in agriculture, she brings a genuine passion for sharing the stories of the people behind our food. Since joining EFI in 2016, LeAnne has focused on elevating worker voices and highlighting the systems that create safer workplaces and healthier food.
The Equitable Food Initiative is a certification organization centered on workforce development and direct engagement with farm employees. Rather than viewing workers as an afterthought, EFI collaborates with growers and retailers to establish clear labor standards, practical trainings, and communication structures that benefit everyone in the supply chain.
One practical example of how EFI drives change is its work with growers like Misionero, the company behind brands such as Earth Greens, Garden Life and Green Wave Farms. Through worker feedback and collaborative audits, EFI has helped Misionero identify small but meaningful workplace improvements—changes that directly affect employees’ safety, dignity and daily quality of life.
“We know what it takes to get fresh and healthy food on our table, but most consumers probably don’t think too deeply into the supply chain. It’s really important to show our appreciation for these men and women who are the backbone of our food system and also to call on the agricultural industry as a whole to better educate consumers about where their food comes from and all the hands that are responsible for it.” – LeAnne Ruzzamenti (9:51-10:17)
Nicole Minnich-Zapata, Marketing Director at Misionero, explains that EFI’s guidance touches every part of the business. Listening to employee concerns led to concrete improvements: new lighting for a previously dark parking lot used by second-shift workers, additional paid time off, upgraded restroom facilities, and other changes that address daily needs and safety. These adjustments are practical examples of how workforce-focused certification can create real workplace improvements.
Misionero has been EFI certified for more than three years and recently launched new pilot programs to deepen its commitment to sustainability and worker development. The Producing Reduce Program is a zero-waste initiative that began six months ago, aimed at reducing on-site waste and improving resource use. A separate Work Process Skills pilot focuses on upskilling employees, reviewing operational processes, and creating pathways to professional growth and leadership roles within the company. These pilots show how social responsibility ties directly into operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
“As we think about sustainability, how we treat our people and take care of that human capital is a huge part of a sustainable movement in a sustainable agriculture system.” – Lori Taylor (18:20-18:31)
Consumers can help by choosing products that have been verified by third-party social responsibility certifications like those offered by EFI. Look for certification labels on fruits, vegetables, seafood, coffee and tea. Buying verified products supports audited labor standards and encourages more brands to adopt responsible practices. You can also follow EFI’s updates and the stories of farm workers to better understand how your food is produced and who is involved in bringing it to market. Learning these stories builds connection and appreciation for the people who grow and harvest our food.
How to get involved
- Join the conversation with other produce professionals and consumers by participating in The Produce Moms community on Facebook.
- Reach out and tell us where you are in life and business — we welcome questions and stories. Visit the contact page to connect with the team.
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