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
- 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.
Please note: Nominations that do not focus on these criteria will be automatically disqualified.
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
The winner will be announced during the West Coast Produce Expo 2026 on May 29, 2026, at 8:45 am in The Pavilion.
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.
Missed the deadline? Enter your email to be the first to know when 2027 nominations open.
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.