Jul 7, 2023

Farmworker group honored for video series

Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) has recently received recognition for video presentations that shine the light on the plight of U.S. farmworkers.

EFI, the farmworker rights organization, won two Telly Awards for a series of videos that highlight the compelling narratives of farmworkers who dedicate their lives to growing, harvesting and packing the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed by Americans every day of the year, according to a news release.

EFI is the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer advocacy groups.

The Telly Awards are renowned for recognition of excellence in video and television across all screens. EFI won two bronze awards. “A Day in the Life of Farmworkers,” which was created by and about farmworkers, was awarded the bronze Telly in the Social Video Not-for-profit category. A video that featured workers thanking retailers and consumers, “Thank You for Supporting the EFI Program!,” was awarded bronze in the Branded Content Not-for-profit category.

In working to fulfill its mission, EFI aims to lift and amplify farmworker voices. By producing engaging videos that showcase the resilience, dedication and highly skilled contributions of farmworkers, EFI hopes to foster empathy, inspire change and bring about a greater understanding of farmworkers’ experiences. The commitment to storytelling and integrating workers’ voices was instrumental in securing the Telly Awards, according to the release.

“The caliber of the work this season coming from creators such as Equitable Food Initiative truly has reflected the theme of breaking out and standing out,” Sabrina Dridje, Tellys’ executive director, said in the release. “Every year we see amazing new technologies that help craft more compelling stories that raise awareness of the world’s most pressing issues, like our struggling food supply chain.”

LeAnne Ruzzamenti, EFI’s director of marketing and communications, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and for the large team of people who worked on the videos. “Receiving two bronze Telly Awards is a tremendous honor, and one I share with the workers who helped direct, capture and contribute to our videos,” she said in the release. “We are proud to collaborate with our certified growers and farmworkers in sharing these powerful stories and advocating for positive change in the agricultural industry.”

EFI’s commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical practices has made it a pioneer in fostering collaboration between growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer advocacy groups. Farmworkers benefit from EFI’s innovative certification program, which ensures safe working conditions, fair wages and training and development opportunities while also promoting environmental sustainability.

“With the recognition of two Telly Awards, EFI stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in driving positive change within the agricultural sector,” according to the release. “EFI remains dedicated to amplifying farmworkers’ stories, improving their lives and working toward a more equitable and sustainable food system.”

EFI brings together growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumers to create assessment, training and organizational development programs that support continuous improvement and address the industry’s most pressing problems. EFI’s certification program sets standards for labor practices, food safety and pest management while engaging workers at all levels on the farm to produce the trademarked Responsibly Grown and Farmworker Assured fruits and vegetables.