In collaboration with partners and community leaders, NCAP is launching a series of participatory events this winter for Spanish-speaking farm workers and landscapers across six counties in Oregon. "Our goal is to help reduce the harms of chemical crop protection use in the workplace by providing tools for workers to champion safety. By working alongside community leaders, such as Ana Elisa Wilson, we are able to address the true needs of our communities," the NCAP announces.
“We are living in times of change, where we see the need to implement and develop projects that work for the welfare of our rural communities. Where Hispanic migrants are, for the most part, the population that has been most affected since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is worth mentioning that the topic of chemical crop protection knowledge and the relationship between chemical crop protection and health is of utmost importance. Through community participation, this is the focus of our chemical crop protection and health education and prevention work," said Ana Elisa Wilson, Community Leader
Amplifying the skills and leadership abilities people already have, the course will utilize participatory education strategies and dialogue. Everyone comes with lived experiences that can be shared. By emphasizing the inclusive nature of this series, where participants share their knowledge with each other, the course will create enhanced awareness of chemical crop protection use and safety in the workplace. All the events are free and hosted in Spanish.
For farm workers and families
With the majority of chemical crop protection use occurring in agriculture, those that work in and around the fields are at an increased risk of coming into contact with chemical crop protection and becoming sick. The course will be hosting community conversations for farm workers and their families in five rural counties in Oregon (Jefferson, Wasco, Morrow, Umatilla and Malheur). Conversations will explore a variety of topics to increase awareness and access to available tools and resources that can help reduce chemical crop protection exposure incidents.
"By bringing people together and educating on the ins-and-outs of chemical crop protection, we will develop opportunities for local leaders where all are welcome."
Topics Include:
Family Health and Nutrition
Environment and Climate Change
Oregon State Laws and Policies
Agricultural Worker Protection (WPS) Trainings
For more information, visit www.pesticide.org