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Washington State Institute for Public Policy

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Publications

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The Needs of Farmworkers in Washington State: Final Report
Open Publication PDF

Cory Briar, Benjamin MacCormack-Gelles - June 2025

The 2022 Legislature directed WSIPP to conduct a study of the needs of farmworkers in Washington state. WSIPP was specifically tasked with interviewing or surveying farmworkers about their experiences in agricultural work in the state, reviewing the research literature on the efficacy of programs and policies to meet farmworker needs, and describing the collaboration between state and federal agencies in delivering services to farmworkers. A preliminary report was published in December of 2023.

This final report presents the results of a survey of 202 farmworkers in the state. Respondents were asked about workplace health and safety, experiences with hours and pay, use of government services, harassment and retaliation, and accessing food, housing, and healthcare. In line with past research at the national level, farmworkers in Washington reported frequently working in heat and smoke and with pesticides. A significant share of respondents also stated challenges with obtain consistent housing and food, and 40% stated that they did not have insurance. Other key takeaways from responses include:

  • More than half of respondents said employers do not consistently adjust work to excessive heat or smoke.
  • English speakers were more likely to receive safety-related training and equipment.
  • Nearly half of farmworkers reported using government services, and 69% of those that did sought help from a community organization or figure.
  • 43% of H-2A workers report struggling to find housing and food “every week” despite being guaranteed both by their visa status.
  • Having health insurance is associated with greater use of preventative healthcare and less use of emergency services.

State and federal agencies coordinate enforcing policies and delivering programs to farmworkers. Federal agency personnel relayed that Washington is one of the most effective states in providing services and protections to farmworkers. Washington State agency personnel reported good working relationships with staff at other agencies but also communicated that a lack of formal processes for collaboration, such as shared data bases to coordinate responses to complaints and incidents, hampers coordination.

The research literature on policies and programs to help meet farmworker needs emphasizes the importance of state- and community-led initiatives to support the specific regional needs of farmworkers.

Download:   Report    Executive Summary    Series Recap  
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