(DENVER) — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is showing its appreciation for Colorado’s extensive rural farmworker community and spreading awareness of how important farmworkers are to Colorado’s economy on National Farmworker Appreciation Day.
Colorado’s farmworker community consists of 4.1% of the workforce in rural Colorado, with the agricultural trade accounting for $1.4 billion in revenue for rural counties. An estimated 19,339 Colorado workers were employed in the agriculture industry, with a growth of 5.7% in direct crop production positions in 2022. Farmworkers are at the core of the Colorado economy, with multiple industries relying on farm products to enhance and supply food to everyone from local consumers to the international markets.
“Colorado’s farmworkers work tirelessly, year-round, to keep the agricultural industry an economic driver for our state,” said CDLE Executive Director Joe Barela. “Their hard work deserves our appreciation, not just one day a year but throughout all seasons.”
In every county in Colorado, there are farm workers on farms, ranches, greenhouses and processing facilities caring for the crops and livestock that provide healthy and nutritious food. Farmworkers are the root of our supply chain and ensure the availability, quality and safety of our food and help American farms produce $164.7 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product. 2.6 million farmworkers are on farms and ranches in the U.S., performing hard and skilled labor. Farmworkers deserve thanks, along with safe and respectful workplaces.
Local teams with the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium provide a wide array of services to serve and support local farmworkers and their employers. These services include but are not limited to: migrant farmworker outreach, H2-A housing inspections, job search and training assistance, hiring events, and referrals to community partner agencies outside of the workforce center scope. Learn more about the services the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium offers here. Those interested in celebrating National Farmworkers Appreciation Day are encouraged recognize farmworkers across social media by using the hashtag #FarmworkerAppreciationDay.
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