As California’s agricultural economy grows, farmworkers face rising risks from extreme heat, climate change, workplace challenges, and increasing concerns about safety and protection.
Facing increased immigration enforcement fears and increasingly difficult working conditions, California’s farmworkers are confronting some of the most extreme climate challenges seen in recent years.
In 2026, California farmworkers are facing a growing challenge as extreme heat becomes a larger part of agricultural life. Across the state, workers harvesting crops such as avocados, citrus fruits, grapes, and vegetables spend long hours outdoors under intense sunlight and rising temperatures. The physical demands of farm labor, combined with worsening heat conditions, increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat related illnesses.
For many Latino farmworkers, extreme heat is a daily reality. Many workers begin their days early in the morning and continue working through difficult conditions to complete harvests that support California’s agricultural economy. As temperatures rise, farms must take additional measures to protect workers by providing access to water, shade, rest breaks, and training on how to recognize and prevent heat related health risks.
The United Farm Workers (UFW) in California has launched numerous campaigns to raise public awareness and collect funds in response to the lack of stronger legislation protecting agricultural workers.
According to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, from 2011 to 2020, more than 33,890 U.S. workers suffered heat related injuries or illnesses, and nearly 1,000 workers have died from extreme heat since 1992, although experts believe heat related incidents are often underreported.
“Farm workers have a financial incentive to push their body beyond what it’s able to endure, and they do that out of economic desperation, because farmworkers are also some of the poorest workers in the country,” said UFW Vice President Elizabeth Strater.
Research shows that agricultural workers are 35 times more likely to die from heat related illnesses than workers in other industries.
This year highlights how changing climate conditions are transforming the way agriculture operates. A strong harvest of crops such as avocados and citrus fruits can create more economic opportunities, but it also requires greater attention to worker safety. Protecting farmworkers from extreme heat has become an essential part of maintaining California’s food system and supporting the communities that make agricultural production possible.
“The people who feed us are paying the price for rising temperatures,” the UFW emphasizes in its campaign.
UFW Pushes for Stronger Farmworker Heat Protections
The UFW has fought for and won farmworker heat protections in California. The organization has also helped establish limited heat protection requirements in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado. However, the union argues that the strongest protection for workers comes through a UFW contract.
The reason is that even when workplace safety laws exist, some non union employers attempt to avoid compliance. The situation becomes even more difficult when workers face the constant threat of immigration raids. Workers who were already hesitant to report unsafe conditions may now feel even more afraid to speak up.
The UFW shared the story of Carolina as an example of the challenges some farmworkers continue to face:
“Carolina’s story is a perfect example of the games some employers play. There are laws in California, which UFW fought hard for, that require rest breaks in the shade. Carolina’s account illustrates how workers may still face obstacles when trying to exercise their rights to shade and breaks.”
“The temperature in this area is really high. I spend most of my time at work in fear of heat exhaustion. I have noticed my colleagues start to look very red or sweaty. The company provides us with shade, cool water, and restrooms. However, when we want to spend more time resting away from the sun, they sometimes tell us to go home.”
The fear of being sent home and losing income causes some workers to avoid requesting heat breaks and continue working under dangerous conditions.
The UFW states that these situations are less common under a union contract because workers have stronger protections and a collective voice.
California Agriculture Expected to See Strong Growth in 2026
California agriculture is expected to have a strong year in 2026, with citrus fruits and avocados leading many production gains.
The largest increase is forecast for Valencia oranges, with production expected to rise by approximately 23 percent compared with the previous season. Overall orange production is projected to increase by about 10 percent, while mandarins and tangerines are also expected to grow by approximately 11 percent. These gains are largely linked to favorable weather, improved growing conditions, and healthy fruit development.
Avocados are also expected to remain one of California’s strongest agricultural products. The state’s harvest is forecast at approximately 330 million pounds, marking the third consecutive year that production has exceeded 300 million pounds. Continued investment in new orchards, improved yields, and steady consumer demand have helped maintain avocado production at historically high levels.
For Latino owned businesses, including farms, trucking companies, equipment suppliers, and produce distributors, increased agricultural production can create opportunities for higher sales and business expansion. Communities where farming is a major employer may also experience increased economic activity as workers spend more money at local stores, restaurants, and service businesses.
However, a larger harvest does not automatically guarantee higher wages or greater profits for workers. If production increases faster than demand, prices for oranges, avocados, and other crops may fall, reducing growers’ earnings. Labor shortages, rising production costs, water availability, and immigration policies can also influence how much workers and businesses benefit from a successful harvest.
California Lawmakers Face Growing Pressure to Protect Farmworkers
California lawmakers are being urged to respond to these growing challenges. In a year marked by climate risks, economic uncertainty, and immigration concerns, protecting agricultural workers, who are primarily Latino and immigrant workers, remains a critical priority.
