From urban farming in Detroit, the Traverse City Cherry Festival, to farmers markets in hundreds of Michigan cities, this state prides itself on its agriculture.
And we should.
We are the most agriculturally diverse state, behind only California. And after manufacturing, agriculture is the state’s largest industry.
But when you see that Michigan seal on apples and blueberries and cherries in the grocery store, do you ever wonder who are the faces and voices behind these products?
This week, we’ll hear from these farm workers that bring these fruits and vegetables to our tables.
We’ll hear about the struggle for fair wages, good housing and how the immigration debate can affect the lives of the 94,000 migrant workers and their families in Michigan.
This week, I will post segments from my documentary that will air Wednesday on Stateside.
It’s called “Voices from the fields: a story of migrant workers in Michigan.”
Let’s start by introducing you to a migrant farm worker I met.
His name is Elizalde Ramirez Vasquez. He’s an undergraduate at Michigan State University.
Growing up he traveled from state to state, going from school to school while his family followed the crops that were ready to pick. He spent this past summer picking in tomato, watermelon and tobacco fields in the south.
Below is some audio he gathered when he ate his first meal back on campus and reflected on how much work it takes to bring food to our plates.
