Farmworker of the Year Award
EFI and The Packer have joined forces to recognize the skilled individuals who work tirelessly every day to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to our tables.
In partnership with
The Farmworker of the Year Award (FWOY) honors currently active, frontline workers who are essential to our food supply. This award recognizes the dedicated and proficient individuals who play a crucial role in the production of the fresh fruits and vegetables we consume on a daily basis.
Nominations are open for individuals working directly in fields, greenhouses, or shipping and packing facilities. To maintain the spirit of the award, nominees must currently hold a production-based role; administrative, office-based, or managerial positions are not eligible.
What Is The Background of the Farmworker of the Year Award?
The fresh produce industry is built on the essential workers who plant, grow, care for, harvest, pack and ship the healthy and nutritious food our customers and consumers count on. As an industry experiencing labor shortages, economic, supply chain and weather challenges, as well as global pressures, it is the perfect time to formally recognize the workers behind the scenes.
Once nominated for the Farmworker of the Year Award, workers and their companies may be featured in upcoming content for The Packer and EFI – from articles and podcasts to videos and special features.
What is the Selection Criteria?
Nominated individuals should currently work in the fresh produce industry in a farm labor or production role and have worked in that or a similar role for at least two years. Nominees should not serve in administrative or managerial positions, but may hold a leadership role within their team, like supervisors. Successful nominees will showcase a positive attitude toward their work and team, be motivated in learning new skills and take an active role in their organization or community.
Participation is open to all growers, shippers packhouses and greenhouses without the need for EFI certification, and farmworkers are eligible regardless of their location within the Americas.
What Are the Prizes for the Winner and the Finalists?
In this exciting opportunity, the winner will be awarded a cash prize of US$1,000 as recognition for their outstanding achievement. Additionally, to honor the hard work and dedication of each finalist, they will each receive $500. This competition not only celebrates excellence but also ensures that every participant is rewarded for their dedication!
How to Write a Winning Nomination?
The more specific your examples, the stronger your nomination will be. We have created two blogs: One with key aspects to focus on when completing the nomination form, read the tips here! The second one, with the original nomination for Farmworker of the Year 2025, Rafael Teran Melchor, can be read here.
Timeline 2026
Entries open: December 26, 2025
Final Deadline: Feb 27, 2026
Winner Announced during the West Coast Produce Expo 2026
Nominate a Farmworker
This is your opportunity to highlight and recognize farmworkers who are making a difference in their businesses and lives. From harvesters and packers to forklift drivers and food safety professionals, let’s celebrate those who play a vital role in bringing fresh produce to our tables. Submit the form below to participate.
Nominations are Closed
Meet the Review Panel
Jeff Cady
Emily Fragoso
Jane Kuhn
Lori Taylor
Sponsoring organizations (Equitable Food Initiative, FullTilt Marketing and The Packer) conduct the preliminary review of the nominations, while the official review panel holds the final vote on all finalists and winners.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
FARMWORKER OF THE YEAR HALL OF FAME
Meet the Farmworker of the Year 2025
Rafael Terán Melchor of Stemilt Growers has been named the winner of the 2nd annual Farmworker of the Year Award. Rafael, who has worked at Stemilt Growers for nearly 17 years, has been in agriculture for 23 years and is widely respected for his thoughtful mentorship and calm, solutions-oriented approach.
Working in the sanitation department, he goes above and beyond what is asked of him by participating in numerous trainings such as first aid, CPR, forklift, chemical handling and safety response, as well as attending the Food Safety & Sanitation Workshop. There are approximately 25 areas within sanitation that employees can study and while most workers have been trained in one to five of those areas, Rafael has completed all 25. Learn more about Rafael by clicking The Packer’s Article or EFI’s article.
Congratulations to Franklin Rolando Carrillo Rodas, Guadalupe Huerta de Jesus, Rene Orozco and Maria Barbara Resendiz Martinez, finalists of the FWOY 2025.
Meet Some of the Nominees for Farmworker of the Year 2025
Meet the Farmworker of the Year 2024
Maria del Sagrario Iglesias of FirstFruits Farms has been named the winner of the inaugural Farmworker of the Year Award, a groundbreaking program to recognize the invaluable contributions of farmworkers in the fresh produce industry. Maria has dedicated her 35 years in agriculture to working with FirstFruits Farms. Throughout her career, she has worked in various roles, from planting and nursery to picking, pruning and packing. Maria’s extensive experience has provided her with the opportunity to train many of her coworkers, who report that she is known for her willingness to lead and share insights. Those who nominated her noted that her commitment to others extends beyond her professional duties as she frequently volunteers her time to fundraise for coworkers and community members in need. Learn more about Maria by reading The Packer’s Article.
Congratulations to Andres Aguilar, Eduardo Avina, Crisanta Morales and José Luis Segura, finalists of the FWOY 2024.
Meet Some of the Nominees for Farmworker of the Year 2024
To all the farmworkers, sponsors, and partners involved in the Farmworker of the Year program last year, we are deeply grateful for your contributions. Your passion and dedication inspire us and make this program a true celebration of the hard work that goes into bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to our communities.