The Employment Development Department (EDD) is proud to assist agricultural workers and their families by sharing essential information and offering support services in honor of Cesar Chavez's legacy.
EDD Director Nancy Farias expressed gratitude for the enduring legacy of Cesar Chavez, as he inspired and advanced the dignity of working people. She also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of state agencies, community partners, and EDD staff to honor Chavez's legacy through continued outreach to farmworkers.
California Agriculture Industry
California holds the leading position in processing agricultural goods. It is the world's foremost exporter of produce, which heavily depends on the thousands of workers who cultivate over 400 different agricultural commodities across the state.
According to data from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, California produces over a third of the country's vegetables and three-quarters of its fruits and nuts. Dairy products, grapes, cattle, and almonds are among the top commodities in the state for the 2022-23 period. As of March estimates, California supports 368,200 farm jobs, with the largest concentrations in the regions of San Joaquin Valley (168,000), Central Coast (62,300), South Coast (76,600), and Sacramento Valley (23,500). In 2022-23, there were an estimated 667,000 crop workers in California, including approximately 82,100 seasonal workers and 22,900 migrant workers.
Services for Agricultural Workers
EDD collaborates with state and local organizations to offer a range of services for the numerous workers who contribute to the agriculture industry:
- Referrals to local services, including low-cost medical services, housing, utility assistance, food banks, and childcare.
- Guidance on applying for unemployment benefits at the end of the growing season, disability benefits, and Paid Family Leave benefits.
- Assistance with employment services and resolving employment-related complaints.
- Information on state and federal farmworker employment rights.
- Referrals to agricultural job opportunities through programs like the H-2A program.
- Support with job search, coaching, resume writing, and job referrals.
- Assistance with accessing farmworker resources on CalJOBS, California's online job posting and training platform.
- Information about training opportunities provided by the EDD and community partners.
- Participation in job fairs and workshops at America's Job Centers of California (AJCC) and other locations.
- Access to computers, copiers, printers, scanners, and multilingual assistance.
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President Joe Biden's Proclamation on Cesar Chavez Day, 2024.
Today also marks President Joe Biden's proclamation of Cesar Chavez Day in honor of his life and legacy. This reaffirms the country's commitment to the core principles of La Causa: providing every worker with dignity and respect and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Cesar Chavez demonstrated extraordinary moral courage. As a migrant farm worker enduring long, strenuous hours in the fields, he and his colleagues faced unlivable wages and unjust working conditions. Yet, fueled by unwavering faith and indomitable spirit, Chávez remained steadfast in his belief that those who nourish America deserve fair treatment and respect.
Cesar Chavez co-founded the United Farm Workers alongside legendary activist Dolores Huerta in 1962 and spearheaded iconic marches, strikes, and boycotts since its inception. Chavez himself tirelessly canvassed neighborhoods for years and undertook extended fasts to shed light on farm workers' challenges. He achieved historic milestones, including securing farm workers' rights to collective bargaining and ensuring safer working conditions and fairer pay. As a leader, Chavez empowered tens of thousands of farm workers to raise their voices and inspired an entire generation of Latino leaders to strive for a brighter future for all.
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