Evaluation of "Agricultural Pass" Program and Farmworkers' Experiences Working During Wildfires in Sonoma County, California.

Abstract

Objectives: Farmworkers are disproportionately exposed to and impacted by wildfire smoke, which will continue to worsen with climate change. Sonoma County is a winegrowing region in northern California that experienced record-breaking wildfires from 2017 to 2020; in 2022 the County passed an "Ag Pass" program that allows farm owners and full-time agricultural employees potential access to evacuated areas during disasters such as a wildfire. The goals of this study were to: 1) evaluate farmworkers' experiences working during wildfires, 2) examine implications of the Ag Pass program for farmworker health and safety, and 3) develop policy recommendations to safeguard farmworkers' health during wildfires.

Methods: We worked with a local community engagement team to administer surveys and conduct open-ended interviews with farmworkers in Sonoma County to examine their: 1) understanding of the Ag Pass program; 2) previous experiences working in agriculture during wildfires; 3) desired resources and training about wildfire health and safety; 4) organizations they would feel most comfortable interacting to receive this training; and 5) other concerns related to working during wildfires.

Results: Of the 1,011 survey participants, 763 (75.5%) had worked in agriculture during a wildfire in Sonoma County since 2017; of these, 507 (66.5%) reported experiencing health impacts such as a headache (74.9%), sore throat (76.0%), and eye irritation (83.1%). Over 50% of participants who reported adverse health did not have health insurance, and many reported continuing to work while feeling ill to avoid losing income or their jobs. The most consistent theme throughout the surveys and interviews was that farmworkers believed it necessary to work in hazardous conditions (e.g. during active wildfires and poor air quality) to be able to pay for basic needs such as housing and groceries.

Conclusion: Our analysis identified gaps in the protection of farmworkers during wildfires in Sonoma County and areas for improvement in the Ag Pass program, including consideration of air quality and heat levels when the Ag Pass may be activated; health training requirements for program applicants; increased collaborations with trusted organizations to deliver health and safety information; and improved communication with workers about evacuation routes and wildfire notifications at the workplace.