Alex Padilla: “I rise to speak in support of the Supporting Our Farm and Food System Workforce Act of 2023, which I introduced today.…”

“I rise to speak in support of the Supporting Our Farm and Food System Workforce Act of 2023, which I introduced today. Farm and food system workers feed our Nation. We know this well in California--the agricultural heart of the Nation--where we have one of the largest populations of farmworkers and food system workers in the United States. Throughout pandemic, these workers put food on our tables and kept our grocery store shelves stocked--despite facing deep- rooted inequities in the workforce and often experiencing food insecurity themselves. Right now, just one person in the entire Federal Government is statutorily dedicated to serving as a liaison between farmworkers and the U.S. Department of Agriculture--the Farmworker Coordinator. While the 2008 farm bill created this position, Congress has never provided the proper resources to support or staff this position. The 2023 U.S. Department of Agriculture Equity Commission Interim Report even included a strong recommendation for USDA to fund and elevate roles for professional staff solely dedicated to farmworkers' concerns and perspectives. It is time that we give those who provide the food for our Nation a voice in the national conversation. We must give farm and food system workers a dedicated office within the USDA to integrate their invaluable perspectives into the decisions that directly affect their lives and livelihoods.…”