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Labor protection in the fields stands out as the main concern of over a hundred farmworkers in North Carolina, according to a survey by Enlace Latino NC.
The questionnaire of nearly 150 agricultural workers in the state highlights their interest in information about labor welfare through the media.
However, despite seeking safeguards against chemicals and extreme conditions, the lack of internet access limits their ability to obtain vital information and health services.
Valentín Hernández, as an intern at Enlace Latino NC, surveyed between June and August 2023. During this period, he visited fields in various counties in North Carolina, including Pender, Johnson, Harnett, Cleveland, Sampson, and Wilson.
Hernández was part of the "Into the Fields" program by Student Action with Farmworkers during their collaboration with this organization. This marks the second consecutive year of the alliance aimed at understanding the information needs of farmworkers.
Informational priorities of farmworkers
Among the surveyed farmworkers, the highest concern (71.8%) is labor protection against chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, nicotine, poison ivy, and extreme weather conditions.
Followed by field hazards in second place (23.9%), and treatments for pain, poisoning, and sunstroke in third place (17.6%). Labor rights occupy the fourth position (16.9%)
Although the weather ranks fifth in interest, it remains a relevant concern. Awareness of climatic events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, is something that agricultural workers want to comprehend and address.
Digital divide in agricultural fields
In addition to the concern for labor protection, the lack of internet access is a prominent challenge.
58.1% of the surveyed individuals lack internet access, limiting their ability to receive updated news and access health services.
Research indicates that restrictions on internet access negatively impact the ability to use digital services that enhance health outcomes in rural communities.
In specific fields in Harnett, Cleveland, and Johnson counties, the reports reveal that agricultural workers lack basic amenities, such as WiFi, television, and other means of communication.
Farmworkers indicated that, in addition to the lack of access to broadband internet, they face obstacles due to the low signal quality on mobile devices.
These inconveniences hinder communication with their loved ones in Mexico and access to news, according to several workers in Cleveland County.
Due to these limitations, several individuals reported consuming a limited or zero amount of news related to the world, the United States, or Mexico," mentioned Hernandez in the report.
In other fields, access to telecommunications is available thanks to nonprofit organizations such as Casa Azul.
"Thanks to Casa Azul, which distributes hotspots to workers so that they have WiFi and can communicate with their family through internet access, as the phone signal in the location is unreliable," reads the report about a field in Wilson County.
Profile of the surveyed agricultural workers
An overwhelming majority of the surveyed farmworkers (95.3%) originate from Mexico, while 4.1% come from Honduras and 0.7% from Guatemala.
In terms of work experience, a significant 47.3% have 5 years or less of experience in the field, while 29.7% have between 6 and 10 years as farmworkers. On the other hand, 23% have dedicated 11 years or more to working in the field.
Regarding agricultural activity, most respondents are involved in tobacco farming (52.9%), followed by sweet potato cultivation (36.2%) and vegetables (30.4%).
The living conditions of the workers interviewed vary. Some reside in camps with better amenities, while others live in challenging conditions, said Hernández to Enlace Latino NC.
"Some had one or two bathrooms for around 40 people," he said. "Fortunately, many live well, but I believe the vast majority live in precarious conditions."
Positive conversations beyond the survey
In addition to conducting the survey, Hernández spoke with some farmworkers who expressed interest in highlighting positive aspects of their work.
"On many occasions, we tend to victimize them a bit due to the difficult conditions in which they live. However, in several interviews I conducted, they expressed their exhaustion with the perception that only the negative aspects are emphasized," mentioned Hernandez.
Among the areas of interest for agricultural workers is the dollar exchange rate, as many send part of their earnings to their home countries, he said.
In future research, Hernández proposed the importance of understanding how many family members depend on the seasonal arrival of workers to the United States.
"These initiatives are important because, at the end of the day, information is the most crucial thing," Hernández said.