César Chávez began organizing the United Farm Workers at a unique moment in agricultural and immigration history — and timing contributed to the movement’s success. The Bracero Program had just ended, and farm workers were in short supply. At the same time, U.S. demand for fresh fruits and vegetables was on the rise. In subsequent decades, immigration increased, globalization brought competition from countries such as Mexico and Chile, and new mechanization techniques were introduced, developments which contributed to a decline in farm workers’ wages. In this workshop, we will examine the circumstances surrounding the organization of the UFW as well as the forces that continue to shape the conditions faced by workers in the fields.

Speakers include Alex Saragoza, professor of history at UC Berkeley; Philip Martin, professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics at UC Davis; and Frank Bardacke, author of Trampling Out the Vintage.

The institute is free and open to all educators. Registration forms are available online or by calling Jean Spencer at 510-642-2088.

Thursday, July 19, 2012, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
2223 Fulton Street, 6th Floor