Lisa Meierotto, Rebecca Som Castellano and Carly Hyland, faculty members at Boise State, recently published a research article in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Development. The article explores the working conditions of H-2A farmworkers in Idaho and the effects those conditions have on the workers’ quality of life.
H-2A refers to a visa program which allows agricultural organizations in the United States to hire foreign workers for seasonal or temporary employment. Meierotto, Som Castellano and Hyland’s research focused on logistical, financial and socio-economical challenges that face these workers, ultimately finding that they experience instability and a lack of freedom.
The paper builds on previous findings by the researchers, notably a 2022 study which looked at pesticide exposure risk for farmworkers in Idaho. The team concludes that further study is warranted to explore specific issues, concerns and trends within this population.