The production of fruit and vegetable crops in the U.S. has steadily increased over the last decade. The presence of farmworkers has been shown to increase the overall economic output of the regions in which they work. Regardless of their residency status, many farmworkers report experiencing prejudice and hostility in the communities in which they live and work. Although many farmworkers fit eligibility profiles for programs such as Medicaid and the Food Stamp Program, very few are able to secure these benefits. Unsanitary working and housing conditions make farmworkers vulnerable to health conditions no longer considered to be threats to the general public.
Economic pressure makes farmworkers reluctant to miss work when it is available.
In addition, they are not protected by sick leave, and risk losing their jobs if they miss a day of work. These circumstances cause farmworkers to postpone seeking health care unless their condition becomes so severe that they cannot work. Exposure to the elements, pesticides and dangerous equipment are common in farm labor. Falls, heat stress, dehydration and pesticide poisoning are frequent injuries. Only recently has OSHA required employers of eleven or more farmworkers to provide toilet facilities or drinking water for workers in the fields.