Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association, known as ALBA, announces plans to open the Farmworker Opportunity Center, a project designed to equip Latino farmworkers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed as independent organic farmers or to pursue careers in sustainable agriculture.
ALBA, based in Salinas, has secured 20% of the funding for the Farmworker Opportunity Center, estimated to cost $2 million, and is now appealing to community members, businesses, and philanthropic partners for the remainder.
The goal is to create a beacon of opportunity via land-based training in organic farm management and agricultural advancement, with the mission to lift families out of poverty and build a brighter future for our communities.
Every day, dedicated farmworkers toil in the fields, often earning only $30,000 per year with limited opportunities to advance. ALBA envisions a path where talented and hardworking individuals can transition to economic independence.
The Farmworker Opportunity Center will provide:
- Land-Based Training: Practical, on-site training covering essential aspects of organic farm management.
- Business Development Resources: Training in business planning, finance, and marketing transitioning from field work to farm ownership, including
- Expanded Facilities: State-of-the-art classrooms and workspaces,
“ALBA sees the talent, resilience, and dedication of these farmworkers,” said Patricia Carrillo, executive director of ALBA. “Through this project, we’re creating a pathway to independence for people who want to achieve their farming dreams and lift their families from poverty. This is more than a building — it’s a bridge to opportunity.”
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You can join ALBA in building this transformative center. Donations can be made at www.albafarmers.org/donate/