"We also must accept responsibility for these workers"

Undocumented workers need to be respected, paid and given a way forward

Farmers admit we need immigrant laborers; now we have to step up to be accountable for their role.

By David Mas Masumoto

"Agriculture has openly acknowledged the need for labor: We also must accept responsibility for these workers."

"As these new Americans are recognized, wages, working conditions and health benefits must be addressed. This will challenge farmers and the old ways of doing business. Agriculture has openly acknowledged the need for labor: We also must accept responsibility for these workers."

"I farm with a social contract—a network of honorable, mutually supporting relationships that contribute to the quality I seek. My work can't be done by machines. I want to grow 'face food,' produce with faces and their stories, keeping alive the legacy of good, authentic food."

"Undocumented workers are part of this food system. We all have a stake in immigration reform, and the need to recognize the important role of all food workers. We need to support farming that contributes true flavors to life."

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