In accordance with the Yolo County Board of Supervisors' commitment to serving local farmworkers, the county recently collaborated with the Ujamaa Farmer's Collective, in partnership with the Centers for Land Based Learning, to address the needs of underserved individuals passionate about agriculture.
According to a press release from the county, through an agreement with Yolo County, utilizing $1.25 million in state funds, the collective procured local farmland and essential equipment for the operations of an educational farm.
"Many facets of Yolo County collaborated to make this possible, including the General Services Department and County Counsel, who worked with the California Department of Parks and Recreation," explained Yolo County Supervisor Jim Provenza. "This agreement underscores our dedication to promoting education and empowerment among socially disadvantaged farmworkers to ensure a more equitable agricultural landscape."
Yolo County is home to approximately 8,000 farmworkers, who play a pivotal role in bolstering the region's agricultural economy.
After the conclusion of several pandemic-era programs intended to mitigate the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local farmworkers, leadership across the county intensified efforts to enhance support for the local farming community.
This initiative led to the creation of the YoloWorks! Agricultural Labor Program, through which dedicated county staff identify and offer educational, financial, housing, and nutritional resources to local farmers, ensuring their stability, with a particular emphasis on support at regional migrant centers.
Last August, Yolo County proudly hosted the inaugural Yolo County Farmworker Day Resource Fair, a significant event celebrating local farmworkers and providing essential resources to their families. Held in the Woodland Community College's community room, the event saw just over 40 local organizations promoting various resources, including food assistance, counseling, health and medical care, legal support, safety and housing, child and family services, youth development, labor rights, employment, vocational training and public benefits.
Additionally, the program supports local farmworkers' professional development through initiatives like the Northstar Digital Literacy Program and community engagement activities such as the Long Sleeve Shirt Drive. By addressing farmworkers' needs and empowering them to thrive in Yolo County, the program plays a crucial role in nurturing a resilient agricultural community.
Yolo County Supervisor Angel Barajas expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts aimed at supporting the local farmworker community.
"Our ongoing initiatives demonstrate our commitment to standing in solidarity with our farmworkers, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to our agricultural sector," remarked Barajas.
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors encourages community engagement and invites residents to stay informed about the progress of these initiatives as the county works towards empowering socially disadvantaged local farmworkers.
Additionally, the board announced that YoloWorks! Agricultural Labor Program has partnered with the California Employment Development Department to host a Farmworker Resource Fair this April.
Residents of Mutual Housing at Spring Lake can expect support from an array of community resources, including career guidance, agricultural rights and safety information, support from local service providers, refreshments, a raffle, and much more.
For information about farmworker assistance programs and resources, please visit http://www.YoloWorks.org. Additionally, residents are welcome to call 2-1-1, which is a resource to access vital health and human services, information and community resources.
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