The event kicked off with opening remarks by Dr. Federico Castillo, Project Scientist with the Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management and the Berkeley Food Institute and Co-Founder of the now UC wide Latinx and the Environment Initiative. He set the tone for the two day event highlighting the importance of stakeholders coming together to address pressing issues faced by farm laborers on both sides of the border. The atmosphere was charged with a collective determination to identify key areas of focus and explore how each community could support the other. 

One of the unique aspects of the UC-MX Farm Labor Cluster is the diversity of perspectives brought to the table. Participants included researchers, representatives from the public sector, non-profit organizations, and advocates, each contributing their unique insights and experiences working and researching alongside farmworker communities. This diversity was not only enriching but also essential in comparing the unique and shared challenges and opportunities farm workers face in California and Mexico. 

As a third year undergraduate student studying Environmental Sciences at UC Berkeley, I have been working with Dr. Federico Castillo and a multidisciplinary research group, to evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 and heat stress on farm workers’ health. Being part of that research process has made me appreciate the importance of identifying the systemic cause of an issue like farm worker health inequity with multiple perspectives, expertise, and ongoing dialogue.

Thematic research components were created after a few rounds of brainstorming and dialogue, looking at different visual models that could ultimately represent the working foundation of the research cluster. Breakout sessions were held based on the four thematic components: agricultural production, community and health, data and technology, and law and migration. Cross cutting elements to connect the components included disadvantaged communities, climate, and gender. 

The outcome of the sessions was to have each group identify how their work can connect through the theme and identify research initiatives they’d like to collaborate on. Something I observed during these sessions was how they were marked by dialogue and debates in both Spanish and English, as participants shared their knowledge and sought common ground. Language barriers being a key differentiating factor amongst several participants did not stop them from voicing their opinion and approach. Colleagues did their best to interpret for each other and vice versa, demonstrating the importance of language accessibility in the research space. 

As the workshop progressed, it became clear to me that this gathering was not just about identifying problems but also investing in holistic solutions and capacity building for the community organizations and public departments that work to improve the conditions for farm workers. There was a strong emphasis on creating sustainable and equitable practices that would benefit farm laborers in both Mexico and California. Action plans were developed, funding opportunities were discussed, and commitments were made to keep the momentum going beyond the workshop. 

As the UC-MX Farm Labor Research Cluster meeting came to a close over a shared meal, participants discussed other interests and hobbies, marking the beginning of new relationships. The new community that had come together in Mexico City had laid the groundwork for significant changes in farm labor practices, driven by mutual support and a shared vision for a better future. Moving forward, stakeholders will advance their shared research agendas and seek joint funding through their identified work groups, organized by themes. I will continue my involvement by being a liaison between the work groups and the research cluster organizers, continuing on my work as a research assistant under Dr. Carly Hyland, a member of the community and health working group, on a new research study looking at pesticide exposure amongst pregnant farmworkers in California.  

If you are interested in learning more about the UC-Mexico Farm Labor Research Cluster, please see our website, hosted by our partner, the Berkeley Food Institute.