In this episode, LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing at Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), sits down with Matt Rogers, Co-Founder and General Manager at Ag Socio, to discuss the agricultural labor industry. Ag Socio is an agricultural labor and service provider operating in California, Arizona, and Colorado, founded on the belief that farm labor contractors can operate ethically, justly, and transparently while remaining competitive.
During the podcast, Rogers shares his extensive background in the produce industry, including his experience working for more than 13 years at Whole Foods Market, where he dealt with social, environmental, and food safety issues. This inspired his vision for Ag Socio, which seeks to provide better work environments for farmworkers and improved services to growers. Listen to the podcast and learn more about Roger’s experience and inspiration to create AgSocio.
Rogers also sheds light on labor providers, also known as labor contractors, and addresses questions related to seasonality, labor activities, and effectiveness. From his perspective in the retail world, he explains some of the supplier requirements and how Ag Socio is a model that promotes better intermediaries.
The conversation then shifts to the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices, minimum wages, recruiting, housing, and health and safety. Ruzzamenti and Rogers also discuss the benefits of the EFI certification, which serves as proof that Ag Socio is compliant and transparent in its operations.
Overall, this podcast provides valuable insights into the agricultural labor industry and highlights the importance of ethical labor practices for a better work environment and a better workforce. Enjoy the podcast!
