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Program educates those who hire Hispanics on the farm
Missouri
Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic population in Missouri, with more than 100,000 residents in the state. Of those working, a majority are involved in some aspect of agriculture, according to Jose Garcia, director of the University of Missouri Community Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture (CFSSA) program.
Garcia will discuss the Latino labor force when he presents, "Human Risk Management, Realities and Resources: the Latino Labor Force in Agriculture," 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23 at the Clarion Inn, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, Mo.
His workshop is that last program of the 25th Annual Small Fruit and Vegetable Conference (Feb. 21 to Feb. 23) which is jointly conducted by Southwest Missouri State University, Missouri Department of Agriculture and University of Missouri Extension.
The session on Hispanic workers is free but other portions of the conference have a cost. More information and registration details can be found at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene or by calling Pamela Mayer, 417-926-4105.
At the workshop, Garcia will discuss language and translation resources, cultural understanding, Latino work ethics and priorities, immigration issues, worker rights, safety in the workplace and health issues.
He also expects a lively discussion of legal issues facing the Latino workforce. Employers can often be of assistance to their Latino laborers, Garcia said.
"Many potential employers aren't aware of the laws and regulations regarding non-American workers. Employers can help them apply for work visas," said Garcia.
University of Missouri Extension improves people's lives with education and research from the four campuses of the University of Missouri System. All extension programs focus on the identified high-priority needs of people throughout the state. Each county extension center, with oversight by locally elected and appointed citizens, is your local link to these unbiased resources and programs.
Date: 2/24/05
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