Sonoma County is known for its rolling fields and famed vineyards, making the region a pillar in California’s wine industry.
Sonoma County is known for its rolling fields and famed vineyards, making the region a pillar in California’s wine industry. But a sweeping new survey from UC Berkeley has found that approximately 75% of agricultural workers there have worked during wildfires since 2017, raising questions about worker safety and a program that could further expose workers during wildfire evacuations.
About half of the 1,000-plus farmworkers who participated in the study reported having ailments like headaches or sore throats after working during a wildfire. Half reported a lack of health insurance, and many worked while feeling ill due to a fear of losing their jobs or not being able to afford basic needs due to lost wages.
What’s more, a new program meant to ensure that the people who harvest grapes, tend livestock and irrigate fields can continue to work during wildfire evacuations may force workers to choose between their health or paying their bills, according to a policy-focused white paper accompanying the survey findings.
Read more at: University of California Berkeley
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