Here’s the news from Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida …
NFWM had some fantastic news today: Alderman Farms and Lady Moon Farms, two of Florida’s largest organic growers, have agreed to pass the penny-per-pound wage increase onto farmworkers!!
Whole Foods Market confirmed today that Alderman Farms and Lady Moon Farms have reached agreements with Whole Foods to support the CIW’s penny-per-pound program and meet strict labor standards. This step forward by Alderman Farms and Lady Moon Farms effectively breaks the stalemate established nearly two seasons ago when the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange (FTGE) threatened to fine any of its members that sold tomatoes under the terms of the CIW agreements.
As the CIW explained, “The Campaign for Fair Food is bearing fruit. For nearly two seasons, the Campaign’s promise of fair wages for Florida’s farmworkers has been held hostage by the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange. Today, however, the higher wages and fairer conditions we have fought for will begin to reach the workers who so clearly deserve them, thanks to the leadership of Whole Foods Market and the forward thinking growers at Alderman Farms and Lady Moon Farms. Without a doubt, the food market is changing, and for the better. Sustainability, social as well as environmental, is the way of the future. Together we — as farmworkers, farmers, and buyers — are forging a path toward that better future.”
Karen Christensen of Whole Foods Market– the first supermarket to sign an agreement with the CIW– noted that “Lady Moon and Alderman Farms are examples of Florida growers that Whole Foods Market is proud to support. These farms are long term partners of Whole Foods Market and we look forward to continued growth together.” For more details and to read the complete press release from Whole Foods, visit www.ciw-online.org.
Thank you to everyone for all of your support in bringing us to this point. We look forward to continuing to work together to expand improved wages and conditions to all Florida farmworkers.
