Earlier this year we set out on a mission to gather stories about the impact EFI has on the lives of farmworkers, on the agricultural supply chain, and on the views of retailers and consumers. We booked flights, traveled hours, and found ourselves meeting and hearing from the people on the ground, who have experienced the impacts of EFI in their own work and lives.
We’re now excited to share Cultivating Voices, a four-part video series that shares stories from farmworkers, supervisors and managers across farms, greenhouses and packing facilities in Mexico, Guatemala and California.
Watch the Cultivating Voices video series now to see and hear first-hand how EFI is transforming agriculture.
Behind the Scenes
To capture these stories, we traveled to seven different operations across Mexico, Guatemala and California – with film crew in tow! During these visits we met and interviewed workers and managers, toured their operations, and witnessed firsthand the skills and care that go into producing #EFIcertified fruits and vegetables.
We had the opportunity to visit amazing people and places, but the filming process wasn’t always easy! Between the travel and equipment and language differences, every day was an adventure. Here’s your behind the scenes look at what went into creating Cultivating Voices.
Scoping the Scene
When we arrived to each new location, the film crew would take an in-depth tour to find the best spots for each interview. Here they are in a field of greens!
Parramos, Guatemala
It Takes a Village
For each interview, a whole team of people were involved, from the director to the translator, and sideline supporters. We collaborated to cover all the bases!
Puebla, Mexico
Working with the Elements
Filming at farms and in greenhouses meant we were surrounded by beautiful scenery at all times – it also meant we had to adapt constantly to the changing daylight, wind, temperature and even sounds on the farm!
San Isidro, Mexico San Quintin, Baja California, Mexico
Getting Our Hands (and Knees) Dirty
Our film crew was committed to getting the right shots of the landscape and processes we saw – even if that meant getting down on the ground!
Puebla, Mexico
Roadside Lunches
We couldn’t have made it through those long flights and car drives without some good grub – roadside tacos were our favorite fuel!
Tecate, Mexico
Playing by the (Food Safety) Rules
As visitors to these farms, greenhouses, and packing facilities, we had to follow the same rules while filming that employees follow to keep fruits and vegetables safe. That meant we had to remove all jewelry and watches, thoroughly wash and sanitize our hands and shoes with approved soaps, and wear hairnets, mouth covers, and protective shoe covers!
…And that’s a wrap!
Seven locations and over 30 interviews later, we have Cultivating Voices. We learned so much from this process and are so proud to be able to share with you some of the stories we heard.
Watch and tell us what you think!
