Search

This article examines the evolving nature of social and agrarian relations between A1 villagised beneficiaries of the Fast Track Land Reform in Zimbabwe (FTLRP) and former farm workers. Using a case study from Zvimba District, Mashonaland West, I investigate how after FTLRP farm workers are accessing land and a host of livelihoods through social relations with the A1 beneficiaries. The article argues that after FTLRP, farm workers have established social relations with beneficiaries of FTLRP, which have enabled them to access land, agricultural inputs, and other socioeconomic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is the one of the hazardous industries in the world. Though there is significant investment in agricultural safety, machine injuries continue to be the leading cause of agriculture injuries worldwide. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive literature review on global patterns in agricultural machine injuries and establish a framework for future research aimed at addressing safety concerns in the agriculture sector. The existing scholarship on farm machine injuries can be categorized into three main areas: a) farming machine/equipment injuries, b) factors associated with these injuries, and c) injury patterns. Overall, the findings highlight that farm tractors are the primary source of injuries for both fatal and non-fatal incidents regardless of region. Other common sources of injuries were harvesting machinery and hand/power tools in Asia, ATVs in North America and woodworking machinery in Europe. Inadequate training in operating farm equipment was reported as the most likely factor contributing to machine-related injuries. Lastly, the patterns of injuries vary based on the interaction between humans and machinery. For instance, rollovers often result in severe head and fracture injuries, while thresher incidents can lead to amputation of hands, arms, and other body parts. Addressing these injuries by implementing safety protocols will not only enhance the well-being of farm workers but potentially attract more workers to the sector, which is currently experiencing labor shortages due to machine-related injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The H-2A temporary agricultural workers visa program is a federal program allowing agricultural employers to bring in foreign workers on a seasonal basis. The extent to which H-2A workers earn more compared to their domestic unauthorized counterparts is of interest for both producers and workers. Using novel data on citrus harvest workers in the state of Florida, we estimate hourly earnings differentials by legal status using Classical and Bayesian inference. Findings suggest that participation in the H-2A program is associated with 18–23% higher hourly earnings for migrant harvesters in Florida after controlling for observable demographic and work-related variables.

Using a cross-sectional survey data of agricultural farms, we investigate gender-based differences in farm wages among farm workers by randomly allocating farm workers into treatment (female) and control (male) groups with a simple random sampling technique. We used the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition method to establish the gender wage gap and Propensity Score Matching to address assumptions and heterogeneity difficulties that plague the decomposition technique. Results show that female farm workers earn ₦ 9,170.83 less compared to their male counterparts, which indicates an unadjusted gender gap. This gender gap in farm wages is explained by the specific factors included in our model, so upgrading these variables could reduce gender inequalities in farm wages. Matching results indicate that the gender gaps estimated with nearest neighbour matching and kernel-based matching are 9.8% and 21.6% higher, respectively, than the gaps measured by the decomposition technique. Thus, the matching procedure was successful in identifying a sizeable proportion of gender gaps that are unexplained due to discrimination between male and female farm workers.

(1) Describe knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever, VF) reported by farm workers in a highly endemic area to design and evaluate prevention messages and (2) identify health information sources preferred by farm workers to disseminate VF prevention messages. There were 119 primarily Mexican-born residents of two migrant farm labor housing centers in Kern County, who completed an interviewer-administered survey on VF knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in 2017. The 73% of participants aware of VF demonstrated a knowledge score of 53%. Over 90% erroneously believed VF was associated with pesticide exposure; approximately two-thirds believed that wearing a bandana mask was protective. Over half of respondents believed that VF was contagious, could be contracted from contaminated food or water, and caused gastrointestinal symptoms. Of those aware of VF, 75% expressed concern about becoming infected because of where they lived and working outdoors. Working outdoors in dusty conditions was the most commonly reported risk-associated work practice. Among 67 participants reporting use of respiratory protection, 94% indicated they wear a bandana; most male participants did not wear face coverings in dusty conditions. The most frequent protective work practice was wetting soil. Preferred sources of health information included television; family, friend, or co-worker; healthcare provider; and radio. Farm workers reported multiple risk factors for VF. Results identified several areas of poor knowledge, risk behavior, and preferred channels of prevention messages. Important protective behaviors are not under the control of farm workers; engagement with employers is essential.

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology in banana, melon, and tomato workers in north-eastern Guatemala, and to evaluate the usefulness of a cystatin C blood test for early detection of renal disease. Methods. This was a cross-sectional, farm-based study of 462 agricultural workers conducted from June to September 2021. Epidemiological and demographic characteristics of the workers were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained to determine glucose, creatinine and cystatin C levels. Anthropometric and clinical data were also recorded. Results. The prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology was 3.03% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36–4.70%) based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR-EPI) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, with a significantly higher prevalence in banana workers (5.67%; 95% CI: 2.16–9.18%) than melon workers (p = 0.009) and tomato workers (p = 0.044). Ten workers (2.16%) had reduced kidney function (GFR-EPI 60–90 mL/min/1.73 m2). The levels of cystatin C showed less variability (coefficient of variation 46.4%) than those of creatinine (coefficient of variation 67.0%), and cystatin C levels in cases with abnormal and reduced kidney function were significantly different from cases with normal kidney function (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Surveillance of the health of active farm workers and improvement of working conditions, such as sun protection, adequate hydration, and sufficient breaks, are recommended. The significant differences in cystatin C levels between cases with abnormal and reduced kidney function and those with normal kidney function suggest that cystatin C could be a useful measure for early detection of renal disease.

Decades of interdisciplinary research suggest that fair trade certification may have significant implica­tions for the development of more equitable and sustainable agricultural practices. The certification was originally established to support smallholder farming cooperatives in developing countries. However, a recent organizational division separat­ing Fairtrade International from Fair Trade USA has created a bifurcation in certification standards.[1] Under the new Fair Trade USA program, the first domestic certification standard for U.S.-based farms is now being implemented. The aim of this study is to understand the impact of the new certi­fication on farm operations and farm worker well­being at the first U.S. fair trade-certified farm, from the perspectives of farm workers, farm man­agement, and the supply chain. The initial findings from this limited exploratory study indicate that the certification can be used as a tool to improve farm worker empowerment while also providing mate­rial benefits and resources. More research is needed to determine the long-term impact and feasibility of more widespread impelementation. 1 For the purpose of this paper, fair trade is used to refer generally to the concept, whereas in the case of specific organizations and/or their certifications, other spelling is used. For example, Fair Trade USA and Fair Trade Certification, versus Fairtrade International and Fairtrade Certification.

INTRODUCTION: Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme which is known to hydrolyse most pesticides including organophosphates (OPs) and prevent atherosclerosis by inhibiting oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Glyphosate is one of the common organophosphate pesticides used in agriculture in many developing countries including Malaysia. The aim of this study to is to assess the PON1 ability to hydrolyse oxidized LDL in glyphosate exposed farm workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional comparative study, a total of 103 subjects (53 Glyphosate-exposed and 50 non-exposed) were recruited. Fasting serum samples were analysed for PON1 activities towards substrates paraoxon, phenylacetate, and diazoxon, as well as for lipid profiles and oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL). RESULTS: The results showed lower basal paraoxonase activity [156.96 (58.87) vs 177.06 (66.78)], arylesterase activity [90.06 (17.14) vs 96.92 (23.87)] and diazoxonase activity [850.93 (206.75) vs 990.48 (248.73)] in glyphosate-exposed compared to non-exposed, however, only diazoxonase activity was statistically significant (p<0.05). PON1 activity is not significantly different with different length of period of exposure except for arylesterase. There was also significantly higher (p<0.05) ox-LDL in the exposed group but no significant differences in lipid profiles (p>0.05) between the two groups. The PON1 to ox-LDL ratio which probably reflects the ability of PON1 to hydrolyse ox-LDL were also significantly lower (p<0.05) among the glyphosate-exposed group. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the decreased PON1 activity in glyphosate-exposed individuals could predispose them to the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease through decreased PON1 ability to hydrolyse ox-LDL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the avoidance-related behavioral and blood-based physiological responses of Nguni and Boran cattle during routine handling activities post-relocation, with a particular focus on the effect of breed, week, and waiting time.MethodsA total of 20 animals, 10 from each breed, were subjected to handling activities at fortnight intervals post-relocation. The animals were observed for entry time (ES), chute score (CS), kicking score (KS), blood sampling time, cortisol, and glucose concentrations. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and regression analysis.Results and DiscussionResults showed that breed had a significant effect on avoidance-related behavioral responses (ES: p = 0.0032; CS: p = 0.0071; and EX: p = 0.0320), with Nguni cattle displaying more active avoidance behaviors compared to Boran cattle. Additionally, breed differences were observed in physiological responses, with Nguni cattle exhibiting higher cortisol and glucose levels compared to Boran cattle. Waiting time in the race had a greater impact on chute score (CS: p = 0.0037) and cortisol release (p = 0.0375) in the two breeds. Regression analysis revealed that the amount of time spent in the handling facility prior to sampling and the duration of blood collection significantly increased from week 3 to 15. Steers that waited in the race for more than 10 min had higher cortisol levels (p = 0.0031). These findings suggest that breed-specific management practices may be necessary to reduce stress-related responses and improve animal welfare during routine handling activities post-relocation. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering the effects of breed, week, and waiting time when evaluating the avoidance-related behavioral and blood-based physiological responses of cattle during routine handling activities. These factors play a significant role in understanding and addressing the stress and welfare concerns associated with handling procedures, particularly after relocation.

The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence and possible predictors of health hazards and their effects on health cost of pesticide applicators and non-applicators. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 580 farm households using multistage sampling technique. The pesticide applicators and non-applicators involved in cotton production were interviewers by the survey team. The prevalence of occupational hazards was higher among the pesticide applicators than non-applicators. Logit regression analysis revealed that the more educated, well trained workers were relatively less vulnerable. Similarly, personal protective measures such as wearing boots and protective handkerchief, and taking bath after pesticide application reduced probability of health risk. Prolonged exposure to pesticide, distance from hospital, and smoking habits were risk factors for development of occupational hazards among the pesticide applicators and non-applicators. The total mean score of health cost resulting from occupational hazards was significantly lower in pesticide non-applicators than pesticide applicators. Workers involved in pesticide application are at higher risk for developing occupational hazards that adversely affects general health and quality of life. The study urges policymakers to formulate programs for proper training of farm workers, encouraging the use of personal preventive measures and the provision of health facilities to farm workers. This will not only improve health of workers but also save undue expenses on medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine occupational risk factors for coccidioidomycosis among adult Hispanic outdoor agricultural workers in California, USA, we conducted a case-control study of workers seen at the Kern County medical facility and referred to the public health laboratory for coccidioidomycosis serologic testing. Participants completed an interviewer-administered health and work questionnaire. Among 203 participants (110 case-patients with positive and 93 controls with negative serologic results), approximately half were women, and more than three quarters were born in Mexico. Associated with coccidioidomycosis were self-reported dust exposure and work with root and bulb vegetable crops. A protective factor was leaf removal, an activity associated with grape cultivation. We conclude that subjective dust exposure and work with root and bulb vegetable crops are associated with increased risk for coccidioidomycosis among Hispanic farm workers. The agricultural industry should evaluate and promote dust-reduction measures, including wetting soil and freshly harvested products.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze the parenting style of farmhand parents in moral development in children and what factors can become an obstacle and supporter of farmworker parenting in moral development in children. The methodology used in this research is qualitative research with the aspect of the approach being field research. The type of research used is primary data as a support for children of farm labor parents. The secondary data of this research includes previous research articles, geographical conditions that can support and have relevance to this research. The results showed that the parenting style of farmhand parents in fostering morals in children in Gejugan Village, Probolinggo District, uses a different parenting style from that of each farmhand parent in educating, guiding, and fostering children. The parenting styles used in Gejugan Village are authoritarian parenting, permissive parenting, and immigration parenting. The supporting factors of parenting in developing morals in Gejugan Village are the existence of a religious education institution at school. Factors that become obstacles to parenting parents in moral development are busy parents, an environment that is not conducive, and associations around the house that tend to be negative. Abstrak: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis bentuk pola asuh orang tua buruh tani dalam pembinaan akhlak pada anak serta faktor apa saya yang dapat menjadi penghambat dan pendukung dari pola asuh orang tua buruh tani dalam pembinaan akhlak pada anak. Metodologi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan aspek pendekatannya merupakan penelitian lapangan (Field Research). Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah Data primer sebagai pendukung anak dari orang tua buruh tani. Data sekunder penelitian ini mencakup artikel penelitian sebelumnya, kondisi geografis yang dapat menunjang dan memiliki relevansi terhadap penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pola asuh orang tua orang tua buruh tani dalam pembinaan akhlak pada anak di Desa Gejugan Kecamatan Kabupaten Probolinggo menggunakan pola asuh yang berbeda dari setiap orang tua buruh tani dalam mendidik, membimbing, dan membina anak. Pola asuh orang tua di Desa Gejugan yang digunakan yaitu pola asuh otoriter, pola asuh permisif, pola asuh imigrasi. Adapun faktor pendukung dari pola asuh orang tua dalam pembinaan akhlak di Desa Gejugan yaitu adanya sebuah lembaga pendidikan keagamaan di sekolah. Faktor yang menjadi penghambat pola asuh orang tua dalam pembinaan akhlak adalah kesibukan orang tua, lingkungan yang tidak kondusif, serta pergaulan disekitar rumah yang cenderung negatif.

Li Ping Wong,1,2 Sun Tee Tay,3 Kek Heng Chua,4 Xiang Ting Goh,4 Haridah Alias,1 Zizheng Zheng,5 Qinjian Zhao,6 Ting Wu,5 Ningshao Xia,5,7 Zhijian Hu,2 Yulan Lin2 1Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia; 2Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia; 4Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia; 5State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, People’s Republic of China; 6College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China; 7The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yulan Lin, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, People’s Republic of China, Email yulanlin@fjmu.edu.cn Li Ping Wong, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email wonglp@ummc.edu.myBackground: As scant data are available about Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Malaysia, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HEV amongst ruminant farmworkers in Malaysia.Methods: A total of 87 farmworkers provided serum samples, which were collected from eight farms. All serum samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the Wantai HEV-IgG and HEV-IgM ELISA kits from Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co., Ltd, Beijing, China.Results: Farmworkers from six cattle farms, one sheep farm and one goat farm were investigated in this study. Only one farm practices zero-grazing, with the rest using rotational grazing. Of the 87 farmworkers, males comprised 83.9%, and almost half (47.1%) were aged 20– 35 years old. By ethnic group, the vast majority were Malay. Most of the farmworkers have good hygiene practices; washing or changing their clothes and showering after dealing with farm animals were common. None of the farmworker serum samples had anti-HEV IgM and IgG detected (95% confidence interval (CI): 0, 0.0415).Conclusion: The finding suggests that the farmworkers had no previous exposure to Hepatitis E, and were not at risk of occupational exposure to HEV infection. Our findings suggest that a zero seroprevalence of HEV infection among ruminant farmworkers in the Muslim majority country. Good farm management, hygiene practices and the absence of contact with swine-related contamination might have contributed to the no or minimal zoonotic risks of HEV amongst farmworkers surveyed in this study.Keywords: HEV, farmworkers, seroprevalence, antibody

In early stages of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian farming industry expressed panic that travel restrictions could disrupt the arrival of migrant farmworkers from the Majority World. In this Perspective essay, we consider how farm industry lobbying successfully framed delays to hiring migrant farmworkers as a threat to national food security. After demonstrating how migrant workers have long been situated in spaces of legal exceptionalism, we argue that framing migrant farmworkers as essential for the national public good of domestic food production conceals how they are also essential for private capital accumulation in agribusiness. In the haste to hire migrant workers quickly, Canadian federal and provincial governments largely failed to prevent farmworker COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths predicted by researchers and activists. We conclude by underscoring the need to fundamentally transform temporary labour migration programs in ways that uphold migrant dignity beyond exceptionalism.

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology in banana, melon, and tomato workers in north-eastern Guatemala, and to evaluate the usefulness of a cystatin C blood test for early detection of renal disease. Methods. This was a cross-sectional, farm-based study of 462 agricultural workers conducted from June to September 2021. Epidemiological and demographic characteristics of the workers were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained to determine glucose, creatinine and cystatin C levels. Anthropometric and clinical data were also recorded. Results. The prevalence of kidney disease of unknown etiology was 3.03% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36--4.70%) based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR-EPI) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, with a significantly higher prevalence in banana workers (5.67%; 95% CI: 2.16--9.18%) than melon workers (p = 0.009) and tomato workers (p = 0.044). Ten workers (2.16%) had reduced kidney function (GFR-EPI 60--90 mL/min/1.73 m2). The levels of cystatin C showed less variability (coefficient of variation 46.4%) than those of creatinine (coefficient of variation 67.0%), and cystatin C levels in cases with abnormal and reduced kidney function were significantly different from cases with normal kidney function (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Surveillance of the health of active farm workers and improvement of working conditions, such as sun protection, adequate hydration, and sufficient breaks, are recommended. The significant differences in cystatin C levels between cases with abnormal and reduced kidney function and those with normal kidney function suggest that cystatin C could be a useful measure for early detection of renal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Qardhul Hasan: Media Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat is the property of Universitas Djuanda and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In our project herein, we use the case of farmworkers, an underserved and understudied population at high risk for Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), as a paradigm of an integrated action-oriented research, education and extension approach involving the development of long-term equitable strategies providing empowerment and tailored-made solutions that support practical decision-making aiming to reduce risk of T2DM and ensuing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A Technology-based Empowerment Didactic module (TEDm) and an Informed Decision-Making enhancer (IDMe) coupled in a smart application (app) for farmworkers aiming to teach, set goals, monitor, and support in terms of nutrition, hydration, physical activity, sleep, and circadian rhythm towards lowering T2DM risk, is to be developed and implemented considering the particular characteristics of the population and setting. In parallel, anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical assessments will be utilized to monitor risk parameters for T2DM and compliance to dietary and wellness plans. The app incorporating anthropometric/clinical/biochemical parameters, dietary/lifestyle behavior, and extent of goal achievement can be continuously refined and improved through machine learning and re-programming. The app can function as a programmable tool constantly learning, adapting, and tailoring its services to user needs helping optimization of practical informed decision-making towards mitigating disease symptoms and associated risk factors. This work can benefit apart from the direct beneficiaries being farmworkers, the stakeholders who will be gaining a healthier, more vibrant workforce, and in turn the local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to use bibliometric analysis to provide an overview of the empirical and theoretical research that has been carried out regarding COVID-19 focusing on scientific publications on the topic of farmers. Design/methods/approach: The global literature on COVID-19 and agricultural producers (farmers) published between 2019 and 2022 (August 8), was obtained from the SCOPUS database, comprising a total of 665 documents. VOSviewer was used to perform a bibliometric analysis of these papers. Results: The two countries that published the most research related to the terms studied were the United States and India. Research conducted in these countries was found in the most cited studies. The studies focused on five major topics: agriculture, epidemiology, psychology, economic impact, as well as rural areas and risk determination. The evolution of the topics over time showed that the research originally began with health-oriented studies, and that once the protocols for the return to normal were generated, studies were carried out to visibilize the producers and their challenges during the pandemic in addition to the support strategies that were generated and the impact that the pandemic had on them, as well as on the local, regional, national, and global economy. Limitations/implications: The documents analyzed are exclusive to the SCOPUS database, so literature was excluded from other sources such as Google Scholar or Web of Science, which could contain important information on the subject in relation to other disciplines. Findings/conclusions: This type of study makes it possible to better understand the current state of the art regarding the effect of COVID-19 on the agri-food sector, thus allowing researchers to visualize the relevance of, and guide, their research on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication examines nonfatal injuries and illnesses among crop production workers in Florida. Written by Joelle Francois, Cassandra Ward, and Serap Gorucu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, October 2022.

This publication examines nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the state of Florida’s animal production subsector. Written by Lucia Papadopulos, Cassandra Ward, and Serap Gorucu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, September 2022.

BACKGROUND: It is generally agreed that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a severe health concern, particularly for agricultural laborers. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to identify risk factors and work-related disorders among agricultural workers at Amirkabir agro-industry company in Iran. METHOD: A total of 158 workers, of which 66 were manual harvesting workers (four postures), 40 were fertilizer transportation workers (three postures), and 52 were spraying workers (one posture), were included in the study. The research used questionnaires to collect data, and the postures were analyzed using 3DSSPP software. Related risk factors such as age, body mass index, work experience, working hours, and sports activity were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence rate of lower back pain (94%), knee pain (82%), neck pain (69%), upper-back (63%), and shoulder (63%) were calculated. The logistic regression revealed that working hours and sports activities are significantly correlated to the wrist/hand and neck MSD with 5.62 and 6.38 times more likely among manual harvesting workers. The 3DSSPP software estimated that the lower back pain, especially in the first posture, for manure transportation workers was very high. Maximum L5-S1 compression, shear, and moment forces in the first posture among manure transportation workers were 7113 N and 472 N, -381 N-m, respectively. CONCLUSION: The 3DSSPP results also illustrated that compression, shear, and moment forces exceeded the NIOSH limit for the other postures. After interventions, compression, shear, and moment forces among all farm workers decreased. These findings emphasize that farm workers need to be under surveillance continuously at their workstations where interventions and improvement in specific tasks are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farm workers are a group that is vulnerable to poverty and depends on weather or climatic factors. However, this profession dominates one of the villages around the Baluran National Park of Indonesia, i.e., Wonorejo, Banyuputih Subdistrict, Situbondo District, East Java. The Baluran National Park is a natural resource conservation area with a savanna ecosystem that was established in March 1980 through the Deklarasi Lima Taman Nasional (Declaration of Five National Parks) of Indonesia. It has an area of 25,000 hectares located in Banyuputih Subdistrict, Situbondo District, East Java and includes t h ree villages, i.e., Wonorejo, Sumberwaru, and Sumberanyar. This study aimed to describe the sustainable livelihood conditions of farm worker households in Wonorejo. This study is a quantitative research through household surveys and is supported by in-depth interviews with expert informants. The results of this study confirmed that farm workers in Wonorejo had good access to five livelihood assets, i.e., natural, physical, human, social, and financial assets. They had also been able to survive without destroying the natural resources in Baluran National Park.

Historically, undocumented Mexican farm workers migrated circularly, leaving family behind in Mexico on short trips to the United States. Scholars have argued that border militarization has disrupted circular migration as the costs of crossing the border lead to longer stays, increased settlement, and changing transnational family practices. Yet, no study has explored changes in the transnational family structures of Mexico-U.S. migrants that span the era of border militarization. Using data from the National Agricultural Workers Survey, we document a dramatic shift away from transnational family life (as measured by location of residence of dependent children) among undocumented Mexican farm workers and a less dramatic shift among documented Mexican farm workers in the United States between 1993 and 2012. These trends are not explained by changes in the sociodemographic characteristics of farm workers or by changing demographic conditions or rising violence in Mexico. One-half of the trend can be accounted for by lengthened duration of stay and increased connections to the United States among the undocumented, but none of the trend is explained by these measures of settlement among the documented, suggesting that some Mexican farm workers adopt new family migration strategies at first migration. Increases in border control are associated with lower likelihood that children reside in Mexico-a finding that holds up to instrumental variable techniques. Our findings confirm the argument that U.S. border militarization-a policy designed to deter undocumented migration-is instead disrupting transnational family life between Mexico and the United States and, in doing so, is creating a permanent population of undocumented migrants and their children in the United States.

Abstract The objective is to verify the effects of pesticides on the health of farmers in the southern region of Brazil, as well as the possible symptoms and cases of intoxication. This study has a quantitative, descriptive and exploratory approach, carried out in 12 agricultural locations in the municipality of Serra Catarinense. This research was approved by the research ethics committee and was applied through a structured questionnaire to 79 farmers who grow grains in the conventional cultivation system. The pesticide most used by farmers was glyphosate, followed by acephate. Of the individuals, 21.5% reported that they had suffered poisoning by pesticides by the respiratory route (58.8%). In addition, 28% had three symptoms of intoxication, demonstrating possible probable cases of intoxication. And 41% of workers reported headaches as a predominant symptom in applications with the use of pesticides, followed by dizziness/vertigo (16%). Farmers who use PPE during the preparation of the pesticide spray are neither chronic diseases (p

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been recently identified in poultry and farm workers. The aim of this work was to investigate the epidemiological relatedness of MRSA among chickens and farmworker. MRSA isolates (n=50) from human (n=14) and from chikens (n=36) were tested for molecular epidemiological relatedness between human and poultry. RAPD-PCR was carried out for fingerprinting of MRSA isolates genome. Seven genotypes group (A-G) have been identified. All human MRSA were belonging to genotype A. Whereas, chickens MRSA isolates was belonging to different genotype patterns groups (A-G). To conclude, human MRSA was belonging to one genotype pattern but the chickens MRSA strains were belonging to seven genotypes. The genotype pattern A was the most dominant among all MRSA isolates. It is possible that the chickens play an important role for the human exposure to MRSA by direct contact. Further studies are required to address the relatedness between human and chicken MRSA.

Occupational exposure to pesticides has been identified as a major trigger of the development of cancer. Pesticides can cause intoxication in the individuals who manipulate them through either inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. Given this, we investigated the association between the incidence of cancer and occupational exposure to pesticides through a bibliometric analysis of the studies published between 2011 and 2020, based on 62 papers selected from the Scopus database. The results indicated an exponential increase in the number of studies published over the past decade, with most of the research being conducted in the USA, France, India, and Brazil, although a further 17 nations were also involved in the research on the association between cancer and pesticides. The principal classes of pesticides investigated in relation to their role in intoxication and cancer were insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The types of cancer reported most frequently were multiple myeloma, bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, leukemia, and breast cancer. Despite the known association between pesticides and cancer, studies are still relatively scarce in comparison with the global scale of the use of these xenobiotic substances, which is related to the increasing demand for agricultural products throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Craft food and beverage makers regularly emphasize transparency about the ethical, sustainable sourcing of their ingredients and the human labour underpinning their production, all of which helps elevate the status of their products and occupational communities. Yet, as with other niche ethical consumption markets, craft industries continue to rely on employment conditions for agricultural workers that reproduce inequalities of race, class, and citizenship in the dominant food system. This paper interrogates the contradiction between the exaltation of craft cidermakers' labour and the devaluation of farmworker labour by assessing how craft beverage actors make sense of inequalities facing manually skilled agricultural workers. Through a focus on the emerging craft cider industry, this paper draws on in-depth interviews and ethnographic data with a range of urban and rural cider actors in the Pacific Northwest (British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington State). I find that actors in the craft cider industry engage with inequalities affecting farmworkers through three main patterns: (1) Justifications of the status quo; (2) Supply chain fog; and (3) Misgiving/critique. By using an analytical framework that integrates critical agrarianism and the politics of sight, this study provides insights into both barriers and opportunities to redistribute social recognition and material rewards across food supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudden shocks to labor demand have sometimes been shown to increase local crime rates. We build on this literature by estimating the causal effect of labor‐intensive seasonal agricultural activity on crime. We analyze a unique data set that describes criminal activity and fruit, vegetable, and horticultural (FVH) employment by month and U.S. county from 1990 to 2016. We find that the FVH labor share is associated with reduced property and violent crime rates, and possibly the number of property crimes committed within county years. Examining heterogeneities based on ethnicity, labor‐intensive FVH activity decreases the rate of non‐Hispanic arrests and victimization, and increases the number of Hispanic arrests and victims (consistent with rising local Hispanic populations). Taken together, results are broadly consistent with the idea that agricultural harvest of labor‐intensive crops enhances local labor market opportunities that reduce incentives to commit crimes. Results are robust to a battery of alternative specifications that address the inherent challenges associated with measuring seasonal agricultural labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using convenience and purposive sampling, this study examined the aspiration-attainment gap and occupational health risks that 40 Mexican origin migrant farm workers faced and the personal resources they drew from to overcome adversities. Data were collected from a community farm worker agency in El Paso, Texas in 2018. Overall, this study showed that participants confronted a series of social impediments and structural disadvantages (economic hardship, low wages, limited formal education, lack of work experience besides farming, systemic deprivation, discrimination, and dangerous workplace). Optimism, familism, spirituality, and perseverance were among the strategies they relied on to foster resilience and bridge the aspiration-attainment gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Water Pricing for a Dry Future: Pricing Policies from Abroad and Their Relevance to CaliforniaIt is raining again in California. How long will it last and how effective will it be in addressing the long-term water scarcity that the state faces? We live in a water-scarce, drought-prone state and this fact has to be taken into account in shaping water conservation policy. At a recent water-pricing workshop, co-sponsored by the Giannini Foundation, leading scholars from several countries presented case studies. These illustrated how water-pricing mechanisms have been used creatively throughout the world for promotion of water conservation under water-scarce situations. 2. Growers’ Assessments of Challenges Facing the California Rice Industry: Past and PresentRice growers in California face many  challenges in 2016. In this piece, we consider current challenges cited by growers and their relationship to past challenges in the industry. 3. California Agriculture: Water, Labor, and ImmigrationFarmers fear shortages of water and labor. Both have been in short supply in recent years due to drought and reduced Mexico–U.S. migration. California agriculture may be at a crossroads on both issues, facing higher costs and more uncertainty about the availability of two critical inputs.

1. What Does the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement Mean for California Agriculture?If it were implemented, the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement would lower import barriers and facilitate export for many of California's significant agricultural exports to Pacific Rim nations—most importantly in Japan. By modestly improving growth prospects, it would also help create larger markets in developing countries—most importantly Vietnam. 2. Whither U.S. Immigration?The United States is the nation of immigration, with 20% of the world's international migrants and half of the world's unauthorized migrants. Debates over the best package of enforcement, legalization, and guest workers to deal with illegal migration continue to divide Americans and Congress. 3. National Standards for GM-Free Food Labels: A Good IdeaThe USDA and U.S. Congress are working to introduce a national certification program for GM-free food labels. It would function similarly to the existing National Organic Program. Consumers would gain from these regulations if they are introduced.

To determine occupational risk factors for coccidioidomycosis among adult Hispanic outdoor agricultural workers in California, USA, we conducted a case–control study of workers seen at the Kern County medical facility and referred to the public health laboratory for coccidioidomycosis serologic testing. Participants completed an interviewer-administered health and work questionnaire. Among 203 participants (110 case-patients with positive and 93 controls with negative serologic results), approximately half were women, and more than three quarters were born in Mexico. Associated with coccidioidomycosis were self-reported dust exposure and work with root and bulb vegetable crops. A protective factor was leaf removal, an activity associated with grape cultivation. We conclude that subjective dust exposure and work with root and bulb vegetable crops are associated with increased risk for coccidioidomycosis among Hispanic farm workers. The agricultural industry should evaluate and promote dust-reduction measures, including wetting soil and freshly harvested products.

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a global public health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence rates of MRSA infection amongst broiler chickens and broilers farm workers. The total samples used in this study were 306. Cloacal swab samples from 231 broilers and nasal swab samples from 75 broilers farm workers were collected from five farms in Duhok city, Iraq. Isolation and identification of MRSA isolates were carried out and the antibiotic susceptibility were screened. Molecular characterization of all isolates was performed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to detect the mecA gene.S. aureus was detected among 84% (63/75) of the farms workers samples and among 84.8% (196/231) of the broiler's samples. The S. aureus isolated from farm workers and broilers appeared resistant to oxacillin 28.6% (18/63), and 32.1% (63/196), respectively. MRSA colonization in farm workers and broilers was 24% (18/75) and 27.3% (63/231) respectively. The S. aureus isolates showed the most resistant to chloramphenicol and the least resistant to vancomycin. The results of the PCR assays revealed that 85.7% (12/14) of S. aureus isolates from farm workers and 44.4% (16/36) of S. aureus isolates from broilers were positive for the mecA gene. The direct handling of broilers by farm workers plays the important role for transport the MRSA isolates from broilers to broilers farm workers.

The capacity of agriculture to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities is exceeded by the rural populations of developing countries, and with limited opportunities available in urban centres, the rural non-farm economy (RNFE) becomes pivotal in improving rural livelihoods. Within an empowerment agenda, it is important for policy makers to understand why households enter into the RNFE. We investigated participation in the RNFE of farm worker livelihoods along with the motivation for participation in RNF employment. Moreover, we sought to determine the key barriers and enablers to the adoption of high return strategies in RNFE activities by rural farm workers in Zimbabwe. Quantitative household surveys and qualitative focus group discussions were used to investigate levels of household dependency, education and skills, income accumulation and enterprising, expenditure and household assets. Our results showed that the primary motivation for entry into the RNFE was distress-pushed diversification. Our study found that market dynamics, limited skills, education level, and lack of capital are the paralysing factors towards significant income returns from RNFE for households. This information is critical for policy development for sustainable rural livelihoods, especially for rural farm workers who constitute the most vulnerable of the entire African rural population.

In our project herein, we use the case of farmworkers, an underserved and understudied population at high risk for Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), as a paradigm of an integrated action-oriented research, education and extension approach involving the development of long-term equitable strategies providing empowerment and tailored-made solutions that support practical decision-making aiming to reduce risk of T2DM and ensuing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A Technology-based Empowerment Didactic module (TEDm) and an Informed Decision-Making enhancer (IDMe) coupled in a smart application (app) for farmworkers aiming to teach, set goals, monitor, and support in terms of nutrition, hydration, physical activity, sleep, and circadian rhythm towards lowering T2DM risk, is to be developed and implemented considering the particular characteristics of the population and setting. In parallel, anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical assessments will be utilized to monitor risk parameters for T2DM and compliance to dietary and wellness plans. The app incorporating anthropometric/clinical/biochemical parameters, dietary/lifestyle behavior, and extent of goal achievement can be continuously refined and improved through machine learning and re-programming. The app can function as a programmable tool constantly learning, adapting, and tailoring its services to user needs helping optimization of practical informed decision-making towards mitigating disease symptoms and associated risk factors. This work can benefit apart from the direct beneficiaries being farmworkers, the stakeholders who will be gaining a healthier, more vibrant workforce, and in turn the local communities.

1. The Supreme Court's Decision in the ‘Raisin Case': What Does it Mean for Mandatory Marketing Programs?In Horne et al. v. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Raisin Marketing Order's volume-control program constituted an illegal taking of private property. We discuss the rationale for theprogram, the Court's opinion, and what this decision means for volume controls enacted under marketing order provisions, as well as the other functions that marketing orders commonly perform. 2. California Farm Labor: Jobs and WorkersThe combination of labor-intensive crops, tighter border controls, and new programs that may give some unauthorized foreigners a temporary legal status has increased interest in the number of farm workers and theirstability. During the 1990s, there were an average three unique farm workers or Social Security Numbers reported by California farm employers for each year-round equivalent farm job. Analysis of data for 2007 and 2012 find two workers per job, a significant increase in stability. The ratio of workers to jobs may fall further as farmers mechanize, offer higher wages and benefits to retain current workers, or turn to guest workers. 3. The Evolving Legal Organization of California Farms: Corporations and LLCsCalifornia corporate farms continue to grow in terms of numbers, share of all farms, acreage, and product sales. The average California corporate farm is larger than the average single proprietor and partnership farm, but all three organizational forms are represented in each of the size, asset and product sales categories from smallest to largest. Many California farms now realize some corporate advantages through organization as a Limited Liability Company.

This journal article tells the story of a female farm activist and a leader in the De Doorns 2012/2013 farm workers’ strike. In this small agricultural town in the Western Cape, South Africa, workers downed tools, disrupting the harvest of export grapes for export table grapes and wine, and demanded a minimum wage of R150 per day. Ethnographic data – interviews, participant observation and archival documents – is used to document the female farm worker’s journey into activism, her evolution and new consciousness of self through political work and participating in the strike. Rancière’s (1999) theory of the “presumption of equality” is used to understand the gains made and losses incurred by the farm workers during and after the strike.