PRESS-RELEASE

UMOS hosts farmworker appreciation day

Wisconsin State Farmer

BERLIN -  Corn on the cob, hot dogs, rice and beans with beef, informational exhibits, music, and children’s games - free of charge - were part of the UMOS Farmworker Appreciation Day Picnic on Aug. 6 at the UMOS Aurora Housing Center.

Between 350-400 were in attendance.  

Eva Chairez, UMOS Staff, adds butter and seasoning to corn on the cob during the annual UMOS farmworker appreciation picnic on Aug. 6 in Berlin.

Every year 3,000 to 4,000 individuals and families migrate to Wisconsin, mainly from Texas and Florida, to supplement the agricultural workforce, food processing, meat packing, tobacco, lawn care, and other industries, including dairy.

“Agricultural workers are vital to Wisconsin’s workforce and the state’s economy,” says Lupe Martinez, President and CEO, UMOS, and interim chairman of the Governor’s Council on Migrant Labor. “The picnic is just one small way we show appreciation to those that help put food on our tables.”
                                 
Also, on that day, the Governor’s Council on Migrant Labor, a legislative statutory council, held its annual public hearing.
                                     
The Council is comprised of both republican and democratic legislators, The Department of Workforce Development, Job Service and other state government agencies, migrant farmworker advocacy organizations, agricultural employers and private citizens.

Lupe Martinez, President/CEO points out the five UMOS housing centers.

The purpose of the public hearing is to take testimony from the migrant farm workers that travel from other states to work in Wisconsin, as well as from agricultural industry employers, advocacy agencies, the general public, health organizations, and others with an interest in the state’s agricultural workforce.