MIAMI HERALD

March 24, 2009

Florida tomato growers create a foundation for farmworkers

BY ELAINE WALKER

Florida tomato growers want to combat the perception that they are not helping improve the lives of farmworkers.

That's why the growers launched the Farmworker Community Support Foundation to fund programs related to farmworkers' child care, education and healthcare. The group also announced its first round of $160,000 in grants designed to help farmworkers in South Florida and Central Florida.

YEARS OF CRITICISM

The creation of the foundation comes after several years of criticism for not doing enough to improve the lives of farmworkers. The Florida growers have refused to participate in agreements between the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and several major fast-food chains calling for workers to be paid at least another penny per pound of tomatoes picked.

In the past, growers have supported programs individually but never collectively.

''This is an attempt to try to focus our resources and make a significant difference in the well-being of the migrant community,'' said Reggie Brown, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange and a foundation board member. ``We would like to be perceived as good guys instead of the image some of our detractors would have you believe.''

$300,000 RAISED

The foundation has raised $300,000 from Florida tomato growers. The group hopes to be able to make grants to agencies and organizations quarterly.

For its inaugural projects, the Farmworker Community Support Foundation has chosen to work with the Homestead-based Women United in Justice, Education & Reform (MUJER), Collier Health Services and the Redlands Christian Migrant Association, both in Immokalee. The money will be used for programs such as HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention services, dental care for pregnant women and early-childhood education.