Steps in Meeting the Needs of Kentucky's Migrant Farmworkers

Abstract

Hispanic migrant farmworkers have only recently become a part of Kentucky's farm labor force. Previously, small farms in the state relied on family members and neighbors to harvest crops, especially tobacco. However, as these numbers of local workers have diminished, more small farmers are hiring Hispanic farmworkers. From 1992 to 1995, there was a 40% increase in the number of Hispanic migrant farmworkers in Kentucky, bringing population estimates to between 6000 and 8000; increases are projected into the 382foreseeable future. This paper describes one of the first steps taken to address the health and social needs of migrant farmworkers in Kentucky. The Migrant Network Coalition is a group of individuals representing over 30 agencies in Central Kentucky that deal with migrant farmworkers. In an effort to inform the broader community about the special needs of migrant farmworkers, the Coalition hosted the first statewide conference on migrant issues in Kentucky. The conference attracted over 120 participants representing a variety of service agencies and agricultural sectors. The vast majority of attendees gave the conference high marks, and over 80% reported that they found the presentations to be both enjoyable and informative. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworth.com]