Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 25 through March 31, 2024, as "National Farmworker Awareness Week".

Bill: 118-hres-587
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]
Introduced: 2023-07-13
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Latest action: action_date: 2023-07-13
text: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Summaries:
action_date: 2023-07-13
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This resolution supports the designation of National Farmworker Awareness Week and commends the significant contributions of farmworkers to our country.</p>

tv_txt: IV 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 587 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 13, 2023 Ms. Lofgren submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 25 through March 31, 2024, as National Farmworker Awareness Week .

Whereas farmworkers are essential workers; Whereas farmworkers provide invaluable and needed goods and services; Whereas farmworkers are important and valued members of communities across the country; Whereas farm work is often highly skilled, including operating complex machinery; Whereas the Department of Agriculture estimates that agricultural and food employment accounts for 10 percent of employment in the United States; Whereas farmworkers are at an increased risk of experiencing unsafe working conditions, including exposure to pesticides and extreme weather conditions, especially high heat; Whereas farmworkers often have to wear long sleeves to protect themselves from pesticides, even during high heat; Whereas the rate of illness and injury among agricultural employees is 37 times higher than the rate for nonagricultural workers; Whereas farmworkers do not enjoy many labor protections enjoyed by other workers; Whereas natural disasters often prevent farmworkers from receiving income for weeks or months; Whereas, despite the above challenges, farmworkers have ensured a reliable food supply for the country, including during the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas a week of appreciation will help younger generations learn where their food comes from; Whereas the Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency have celebrated farmworkers during National Farmworker Awareness Week ; Whereas National Farmworker Awareness Week recognizes the contributions of farmworkers who work in fields, packing, sorting, processing, and other related activities and the issues they face; and Whereas the week of March 25 through March 31 is generally recognized as National Farmworker Awareness Week : Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the designation of National Farmworker Awareness Week ; (2) recognizes the challenging conditions in which farmworkers work; and (3) commends the significant contributions of farmworkers to our country.