##{{red:Farmworkers}} ####Background "We recognize and encourage those who carry out and contribute to the work of agriculture in the United States and abroad: farmers and farmworkers, leaders of rural communities, and those who serve them in our Church. When we refer to farmers and farmworkers, our concern also extends to those who produce our food and fiber, to ranchers, and to other agricultural workers. For all those who devote their lives to agriculture, we offer words of support and appreciation, as well as a plea to work together more cooperatively and constructively for the common good." *(Pastoral Reflections on Food, Farmers, and Farmworkers, USCCB, 2003)* **Cardinal Timothy Dolan: Justice for Farmworkers** Farmworkers have been historically excluded from fair labor legislation that protects other workers in the United States in terms of wages, overtime and the right to collectively bargain. Cardinal Timothy Dolan and other New York bishops are lobbying state legislators in Albany to extend those rights and protections to New York state farmworkers. The article states: "The bishops have more than a new leader at the helm. They have a new priority: For the first time, the prelates are asking the Legislature to grant equal labor rights to New York farm workers. Great news. The condition of the men and women who grow and pick our food is a moral outrage." [Read more][a1] ####Additional Catholic Teaching: Food can remain safe and affordable without sacrificing the incomes, health, or lives of farmers and farm workers. Catholic social teaching insists that all workers deserve wages and benefits sufficient to support a family and live a decent life. Farmers must be able to support themselves and their families through their work and to provide for important needs such as health care and retirement. Farmers and their employees receive less and less of every dollar spent on food. This is a matter of justice that should be addressed. Agricultural policies must take into consideration the risks associated with farming that are beyond a farmer's control, such as weather and changes in global markets. Trade policies should better reflect the right to economic opportunity of all farmers wherever they may live. Agricultural policies should help ensure basic income security and provide opportunities for economic initiative for farmers in the United States and throughout the world, with special attention to small producers. *(USCCB, Pastoral Reflections on Food, Farmers, and Farmworkers)* #### Act: - Write to your [legislators][2] urging them to support owners of small or medium-size farms struggling to support their families as well as the rural communities they live in - Learn more about the [Environmental Quality Incentives Program][3] and the [Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program][4] - U.S. Department of Agriculture programs - and write to your [legislators][2] urging them to support these programs - Advocate for more just policies for migrant workers (such as housing issues) and stay informed about current issues affecting migrant workers. - Volunteer with a rural community or association of farmworkers such as the [National Farm Worker Ministry][5] - Participate in the Oregon Farm Worker Awareness Week events - Plan a Farm Worker Celebration, gathering together, reflecting on the farmworkers'lives, eating a humble meal, and donating the money that would have been spent to support the farmworker struggle - Shop at your [local Farmers' Market][6] - Learn more about the risks and dangers of pesticides at the [Farm Worker Pesticide Project][7], the web site of [Farmworker Justice][8] and the USCCB webpage [Educating Farmworkers about Pesticide Safety][9] #### Links: ####{{maroon: From the Office}} - [The 2012 Farm Bill: Hit Reset][oljp31] **{{red:NEW!}}** - [The Farm Bill and Farmers' Markets][oljp21] - [The 2012 (Food and) Farm Bill: Why People of Faith Care][oljp23] - [The 2012 Farm Bill: Why People of Faith Care About Farming][oljp22] - [The 2012 Farm Bill: Our Faith Bridges the Urban-Rural Divide][oljp11] - [6 Reasons to Shop at Farmers' Markets][oljp17] - [Strawberries and Squash: Learn more about CSAs][oljp18] - [Oregon Farmers and the Catholic Church][oljp19] - [Farmers' Markets and CSAs][oljp20] ####{{red: Vatican}}#### - [Pope Benedict XVI: The time is now to launch a reevaluation of agriculture, and place the sector back into its rightful place in the global economy][1] ####{{purple: USCCB}}#### - [Agricultural, Nutrition and Rural Issues][10] - [The Farm Bill: Principles and Priorities ][13] ####Others - [National Catholic Rural Life Conference][11] - [Interfaith Food and Farms Partnership][12] [1]: http://www.zenit.org/article-30955?l=english [2]: http://www.congress.org/ [3]: http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/eqip/ [4]: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/ [5]: http://www.nfwm.org/category/map/about/staff [6]: http://www.archdpdx.org/jprespect/JP_Respect/Archdiocesan%20Farmers%20Markets.pdf [7]: http://www.fwpp.org/ [8]: http://www.fwjustice.org/ [9]: http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/ejp/case/ncrlc.shtml [10]: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/agriculture-nutrition-rural-issues/index.cfm [11]: http://www.ncrlc.com/ [12]: http://www.emoregon.org/food_farms.php [13]: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/agriculture/farm-bill.cfm [oljp11]: JP_Respect/LJP_Farm_Bill.pdf [oljp17]: JP_Respect/LJP_6_Reasons_Shop_Farmers'_Markets.pdf [oljp18]: JP_Respect/LJP_Strawberries_Squash_CSA.pdf [oljp19]: JP_Respect/LJP_Oregon_Farmers.pdf [oljp20]: JP_Respect/LJP_Farmers_CSAs.pdf [oljp21]: JP_Respect/LJP_Farm_Bill_Markets.pdf [oljp22]: JP_Respect/LJP_Farm_Bill_Why_Catholics_Care_About_Farming.pdf [oljp23]: JP_Respect/LJP_Food_Farm_Bill.pdf [oljp31]: JP_Respect/LJP_Farm_Bill_Reset.pdf [a1]: http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-03-11/news/31144167_1_farm-workers-bishops-mayor-bloomberg#commentpostform?utm_source=GradNet+03-19-12&utm_campaign=GradNet+2-19-12&utm_medium=email