The publication examines the exploitation of Mexican and Central American farmworkers in the North American food system, specifically focusing on the production of produce consumed within the United States and Canada. This work provides an ethnographic account of the lived experiences of individuals engaged in agricultural labor, detailing the systemic inequalities they face. For example, it illustrates the precarious working conditions, low wages, and health risks associated with harvesting crops such as berries and other fruits.
The significance of this study lies in its ability to shed light on the social and economic realities often obscured within global supply chains. It serves to expose the human cost associated with the availability of affordable produce, highlighting the ethical implications for consumers and policymakers alike. Historically, the marginalization and vulnerability of migrant farmworkers have been overlooked, and this research contributes to a growing body of scholarship aimed at rectifying this oversight and advocating for improved labor standards and fair treatment.