The advance of technology and the decline of immigration have profoundly changed the nature of work in agriculture. But toiling in the fields remains difficult and dangerous, even as it requires more mechanical expertise from workers. And agricultural work remains seasonal, forcing repeated relocations and putting pressures on working families. As a result, many of the people who pick and process our fruit, nuts, and vegetables are in poor health themselves. Where are the best jobs in California’s agricultural sector? What changes must be made—in policy, enforcement, community, and in our health and economic systems—to improve current farm jobs, and the future prospects of those who work them?
