Rico Farms, an organic and Fair Trade USA certified farm based in Hermosillo, Mexico produces organic summer and winter squash, cucumbers, melons, green beans, eggplant and chilies. Partnering with Bridges Produce for marketing and distribution, Rico Farms employs 600 people during peak season and has begun an innovative program focused on creating positive changes in their farmworkers’ lives. The principle goal for the Tapia Family, the owners of Rico Farms, is to educate and empower all of their employees. Francisco Tapia talking about the motivation behind the program said, “We want to contribute to a better planet not only environmentally but also the quality of life for the people. Our true life purpose is not only about our own wellbeing, it is also about others and changing their lives for the better.”
An amphitheater and recreation area were recently completed at the farm using funds from Fair Trade Premiums and this space will serve as the central meeting area for the new program. In a partnership with Hermosillo based Sociedad Activa, Rico Farms will use movies, live theater, coaching, and direct feedback to focus on the themes of personal development, drug prevention, family, sports, culture, education, health, and personal finances.
Many of the workers have never been to the movies or to the theater. The first movie shown was Cesar Chavez, a particularly powerful story for agricultural workers. Next, Coach Carter and The Pursuit of Happyness will be screened. These films were chosen with care to reinforce the themes of self-determination and personal development. Sociedad Activa and the farm workers recently put on their first play, “Ni Princesas, Ni Esclavas”. It was selected to create awareness about the value of primary and secondary education.
Rico Farms is also implementing a fast track program which will teach reading and writing. Employees who were not able to complete their education are working in classes and with tutors, to graduate from elementary and junior high school. There are currently 125 participants in this fast track program and the Tapia family is hoping to see at least 200 people enrolled next season. When asked about his previous education one worker shared, "I don't know how to read or write. I only learned my signature". Some Rico Farms’ staff have been certified as tutors and are now providing 2 hours of tutoring per week per person. Francisco said the workers have been grateful for the opportunity and “Even though it is difficult for them, to work all day and then to study, they are trying very hard to graduate before leaving and they are motivating others to register for the program.” The program is already having a positive impact on participants, “It helps us with self-esteem to keep pushing forward, there are better things ahead to keep succeeding for ourselves and for our families that are waiting for us back at home"
Francisco and everyone at Rico Farms and Bridges Produce, would like to thank all the people who made this program possible including the artists, the government, the private initiative, the society Hermosillense and the workers of Rico Farms. He is also grateful to the produce buyers and consumers who choose Rico Farms produce, together they are all supporting this program and allowing it to continue to grow and creating a better world.
For more information on the program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8xeBQVLjmo
To learn more about Rico Farms: http://ricofarms.com/
For information regarding product sales please contact Bridges Produce:
Website-http://www.bridgesproduce.com/
Email-info@bridgesproduce.com
Source: Bridges Produce
